Richard "Freddie" Fredick Watson of Greeley, Colorado passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

He was born on February 27, 1935, to Burl Watson and Ethel (Johnson) Watson in Wilmington, Ohio. He attended Wilmington, High School in Wilmington, Ohio. In 1953 he married his first wife, Eileen Tolle and together they had 2 children, Susie (Suzanna) and Richard (Rick) Watson. In 1961 he moved to Colorado where he worked as a Diesel mechanic. He met Karen Henderson and had Nathan Watson in 1976. He married Donna Lou DePorter on November 30, 1991.

Richard worked at the MHC Kenworth in Denver and Greeley, Colorado as a Diesel Technician for 27 ½ years. After retirement he worked for NAPA of Greeley, Colorado delivering parts. Richard loved the outdoors, loved hunting and fishing, and enjoyed watching western movies and playing Skip-Bo.

Richard loved the Lord. He attended Calvary Chapel and was a member of The Gideons International.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; his daughter, Susie (Suzanna) Peck, of New Vienna, Ohio; a son, Nathan (Rachel) Watson of Evans, Colorado; two stepchildren, Mike (Michelle) Kerr, of Windsor, Colorado and Debby (Adam) Minkler of Herndon, Kansas; two sisters, Janet (Ed) Phillips of Dayton, Ohio, and Virginia Ann Watson Flint of Dayton, Ohio; 11 grandchildren, Tonya Watson, Brock Watson, Richard Watson III, Anthony Watson, Nathaniel Peck, Amber Walters, Dominque Santee, Barrett Allen Devine, Hadley James Devine, Will Kerr, and Sydney Kerr; and his great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Burl and Ethel (Johnson) Watson; his son, Richard Watson II; brothers, Joe Watson, Roy Watson, Bennie Watson, Johnny Watson, and Dale Watson; and son-in-law, Larry Peck.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with Funeral Services beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 11th Avenue in Evans, Colorado. A Graveside Service will follow at Linn Grove Cemetery, 1700 Cedar Avenue in Greeley, Colorado. A reception will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the LaSalle Community Center, 101 Todd Avenue, LaSalle, Colorado 80645.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard's name to The Gideons International to buy Bibles. Donations may be sent to the North Weld Camp, The Gideons International, PO Box 723, Greeley, CO 80632.