Glenn "Luke" Watson

Glenn Franklin Watson “Luke” was born in the old Margaretville Hospital on his mothers birthday, October 26, 1932. He was the eldest child of eight children born to Dot and Bill Watson. Luke attended Delaware Academy Central School. He served in the National Guard from 1950 to January,1952 when he enlisted in the United States Navy Submarine Corps where he attended cooking school in Bayonne, NJ. He served as the cook on the USS Amberjack until his honorable discharge on February 12, 1956. Luke was very proud of the time he served his country during the Korean War and his 70 years as a member of the James S. Moore American Legion Post #167 which he just received his pin,certificate and plaque. After returning back home he met and married the love of his life Betty Anne Neff. They made their lifelong home in Downsville where they raised their three children Dennis, Alan and Linda. Throughout his life he had many jobs working in the cauliflower fields in New Kingston, the Pepacton Dam with his father and brothers, hauled asphalt during the construction of Route 17, then on to logging, stone quarry and blasting consultant. He served on the Town of Colchester Planning Board from its inception until the initial planning of the new town barn. He was also the town Building Inspector for several years where he would design the roads for subdivisions. Many knew him as “Lumberjack” which he displayed proudly on his bug deflector and back window of his pickup truck.

Luke was predeceased by his wife of 66 years Betty, all of his brothers Donald Watson, Arthur Watson (Regina), Bill Watson, Infant Michael, sister Betty Wonnell (Stan) and brother-in-law Donald Byington. He is survived by his sisters Charlotte Miller of Kentucky, Jeanette Byington of New Jersey, his sister-in-laws Carol Watson of Arizona, and Carol Watson of Colorado. His children Dennis Watson (Beverley), Alan Watson (Connie) and Linda Pinner (Daniel); Grandchildren Crystal Watson, Amber Meola (Jeffrey), Carli Pinner (Dylan Murphy), Jared Pinner (Kiersten Laux). Great Grandchildren Jayson, Julia and Joshua Meola, Liana Darbee and his most cherished ice cream buddies Maci,Jace and Tessa Pinner. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026 from 10am - 12, with a service held at 12 noon at Harris Funeral Home in Roscoe, NY. Immediately following the burial will take place, with full military honors, at Paige Cemetery in Downsville. As per Luke's wishes, to be buried together with Betty, there will also be a service for her. Celebration of life held immediately following at the American Legion Post #167 in Downsville.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the James S. Moore American Legion Post #167. PO Box 104, Downsville, NY 13755 and USSVI Parche-Thousand Island Base, Attn: Joe Demars, 20 Powers Drive, Fulton,NY 13069 in his name.