Obituary for David Alan "Rocky" Watson

David Alan Watson, lovingly known as "Rocky" and to his sisters as "DD," passed away December 21, 2025, in Meridian, Idaho. He was born on October 19, 1950, in Torrance, California, to Robert Porter Watson and Jacquelyn Nell Clarke Watson. He was the firstborn of the couple and lived a life defined by resilience, devotion, humor, and a deep capacity to love.

David shared a close and enduring bond with his only son, Charles "Chuck" Watson. He took immense pride in the man Chuck became and the family he built, and their connection remained strong throughout David's life. He worked tirelessly to provide Chuck with stability, love, and opportunity, raising him with devotion and care. David later became a proud grandfather, delighting in his grandchildren and in children of all ages. He had a natural way with kids, endless patience, warmth, and an ability to make them feel safe and seen.

Chuck Watson shared the following reflections about his father:

My dad had a front-row seat to the longest love story of my life.

Amanda and I met as teenagers and, even then, we knew there was something rare between us. Like most young people, we were still growing, still learning, and we didn't yet have the tools or examples to understand what a healthy relationship truly looked like. Over the years, our paths crossed and separated many times as we tried to figure out who we were and who we were meant to become.

Eventually, we went our separate ways and each built lives of our own. Through it all, my dad remained steady, respectful, and kind. No matter where life took us, he never spoke harshly, never judged, and never closed his heart. He watched quietly as this story unfolded—one that came together, grew apart, and ultimately found its way home. When Amanda reentered my life years later, my dad welcomed her without hesitation. He saw not just where we had been, but who we had become. In his wedding speech, he spoke about witnessing a love story that endured time, growth, and change and how meaningful it was for him to see it come full circle. That was who my dad was. He believed in people. He believed in love. And he believed in growth.

Amanda Watson shared the following reflections:

David and I did not begin as family in the traditional sense. Our relationship grew slowly, shaped by time, shared experiences, and a deepening mutual respect. What began with uncertainty became something steady, meaningful, and deeply cherished. We bonded over our shared military experiences and stories, understood, without needing explanation, lessons learned the hard way, and had a quiet respect for service and sacrifice. Through those conversations, David came to know me, and I came to know him not just as Chuck's father, but as a man of resilience, humor, and heart.

David was deeply proud of my accomplishments and never hesitated to say so. In time, he began to call me his daughter, a title he offered freely and with sincerity. It was not something I took lightly. It was a gift, and one I will always carry with me. In David, I found not only a father-in-law, but also a protector, a storyteller, and a steady presence. He showed his love through pride, presence, and the simple act of showing up. Being claimed as his daughter remains one of the greatest honors of my life.

Teresa (Teri) Suzanne Okarma shared the following thoughts:

David "DD," beloved brother, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of those who knew him best. To those who loved him from childhood, he was always "DD," a protector, a companion, and a steady presence through life's joys and sorrows. David spent his early childhood in the Long Beach area before his family relocated to Pocatello, Idaho. His childhood was marked by profound upheaval and hardship experiences that shaped him deeply and left lasting scars. Even so, he carried within him a tender heart and an instinct to protect those he loved, especially his younger sister, Teri.

One of Teri's most cherished memories was the day before David deployed to Vietnam, when he took her shopping to Knott's Berry Farm and told her to get whatever she wanted. David arrived in Vietnam on the same day men landed on the moon, an irony that never made sense to her—how humanity could reach the stars while still sending young men to war. During his service in the United States Navy, David completed a tour in Vietnam, serving on a patrol boat in the rivers near the DMZ. He later served aboard the USS Passumpic, traveling throughout Asia. When he returned home, his neighborhood decorated their cul-de-sac in welcome, though David carried survivor's guilt for those who did not return.

David lived a life defined by movement, resilience, and hard work. He held many jobs, including wildland firefighter, fire jumper, hospital orderly, mortician, Forest Service worker, tree trimmer, bus driver, and used car salesman. One role brought him particular joy: driving a school bus. He loved "his kids" fiercely and cared for them as if they were his own.

David loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles for both the ride and the camaraderie. At home, he found comfort in baking and in the loyal presence of a dog by his side. He was known for his jolly laugh, tender heart, and big personality. One of Teri's final memories was a phone call on December 12th, when David joked about jumping out of a plane and spoke of feeling pretty good for a 75-year-old "old guy." They said "I love you" and shouted their goodbyes, words now held as a final gift.

Bonnie (just Bonnie) Frances Millar shared the following memories:

David "DD" Watson was a beloved brother, father, and friend whose life was marked by courage, tenderness, and an enduring devotion to family. Nine years older than Bonnie, David was her hero from her earliest memories and a fierce protector throughout their childhood. David reclaimed his birth name, Watson, as a young man, an intentional act of healing and identity. It was especially meaningful to him that his son, Charles, would carry that name.

Bonnie remembers childhood Saturdays when David raked leaves beneath a massive elm tree, only for the girls to scatter them simply so he would stay longer. She remembers sneaking into his room to sleep in his closet when she missed him, knowing he would never send her away.

After his Navy service, David moved to Northern California, working in forestry and later as a used car salesman. Though his dream of becoming a firefighter went unrealized, he persevered, later owning and operating a janitorial company for many years.

David loved freely and deeply. He had a soft spot for children, the elderly, and animals, and he was quick to help anyone in need. One cherished memory was when David rode his motorcycle from Las Vegas to visit Bonnie and her husband, Raymond, telling her through tears how proud he was of the life she had built.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert "Bob" Watson and Jacquelyn Richardson. One of the great blessings of his later life was reconnecting with his father and reclaiming his name—an act that brought him peace and belonging. David leaves behind a legacy of protection, generosity, humor, and love. His family will miss the phone calls, saved voicemails, teasing laughter, and the long embraces that made you feel safe, known, and loved. Though he carried pain, David never lost his capacity to love or show up for others. He was a good man, a devoted father, a protective brother, and a loyal friend. His family finds comfort knowing he is now in the arms of Jesus and that they will one day be reunited with him in eternity.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.