Mark D. Watson
August 10, 1952 – December 4, 2021
No services are being held at this time. Mark will be laid to rest at Ft Custer National Cemetery, with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 69, passed away on Saturday December 4, 2021. Mark was born in Kalamazoo, on August 10, 1952, the son of Joseph and Betty Jean (Jackson) Watson. On April 2, 1999, Mark married Clara Erb who survives him. Mark was the Head of Security at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Prior to his work there, he had worked as Head of Security at Bronson Methodist Hospital for over 20 years. His security work gained accolades from the Mayors of Kalamazoo, Governors of the State of Michigan, Senators of the United States, including Senator Bob Dole; and the United States Secret Service. He was an avid hunter. He also enjoyed music, especially the Moody Blues. Mark and Clara enjoyed going to hear live bands as well. Besides his wife, Mark is survived by his children, Ryan (Michelle) Watson of Hartford, Benjamin Watson of Kalamazoo, Tracy (Glenn) Hartford of IN, Robert Martin of TX; six grandchildren; siblings, Janis Doxtater, James (Eva) Howard, Thomas (Deb) Howard, Sharon (Bert) Mayo, Marie (Steve) Holmes, Melinda (Ken) Holmes; several nieces and nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
There are no words to express how much you meant to me. I will forever miss you. You have some amazing company with you now.
Mark was a good man. I feel lucky to have known him and to have worked with him at the KIA. We had a lot of good laughs. I could always count on him. We’ve lost a good, kind soul. Rest In Peace my dear friend. My condolences to his family.
We so appreciated the kind and easy going man Mark was. You are in our thoughts and prayers Clara.
Clara so sorry for you loss, if you need to talk or want anything give me a call. Prayers🙏🙏🙏🙏
Tracy I was so sorry to hear about your dad. Even though I never met him he must have been a wonderful man to have raised such a great daughter. Love you.
My condolences, Tracy. You’ll be in my thoughts. Your father raised a kind daughter who lifted the spirits of those she met.
Mark was a dear friend and a wonderful work colleague. His smile, laugh, and enjoyment of a good story made every day at the KIA better. I will miss our talks. Run with your dogs again and be at peace, my friend. Condolences to all who loved Mark.
Ben, I was so sad to hear of your dads passing. You and your family are in my thoughts. Mark was such a fine man.
Just a thank you for sharing Mark with the world. My folks met him at Bronson Place and again at the KIA. He was always up beat and greeted them as friends. It meant a lot particularly as their dementia progressed. Rest In Peace Mark
I would not be where I am today in my career if it weren’t for supportive words from Mark. My career took me away from the KIA but we always took the time to catch up when I came back to visit. He will be greatly missed.
I came to know Mark while he was head of security at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. I was fortunate enough to get to know him and become friends while chatting as he shared his limited and precious time while presiding over the safety and security of the KIA. Mark was such a wonderful person, I enjoyed time engaging in conversation, sharing a laugh while listening to his tales of adventure, seeing his welcoming smile as I enter the KIA and hearing stories of his beloved wife, dogs, love of music and zest for life. I send my deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends, I hope you can find peace in all the wonderful memories you hold dear. Rest in peace my friend.