John Edward Watson

John Edward Watson, 77, of Nashport, Ohio, passed away at OSU James Hospital on Thursday, March 9, 2017, from complications related to a recent surgery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Sunday, March 12, 2017, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10:00 AM, Monday, March 13, 2017, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mattingly Settlement with Fr. Donald Franks officiating. A celebratory lunch will be held at Bryan’s Place following services. John was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on August 24, 1939. At the age of twelve, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was the youngest then to achieve this honor in the state of Ohio. He graduated from Zanesville High School and continued to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Miami University and a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Ohio University. John served 37 years at Lancaster High School as a coach, administrator, guidance counselor and teacher. A defensive guard (#63) at Miami University, John loved football and coached for many years, even as Head Coach at LHS, and Linebacker Coach at Capital University. For years, he did the color commentary for the Golden Gales football on WHOK. He also started the wrestling program at LHS and officiated for many years, later being indicted as an official into the OHSAA Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was actively involved in the Charity Newsies in Lancaster, Ohio. He was an avid sailor, with a love of the ocean, and was a long-time member of the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club. He is survived by his wife Susan, brother Bill (Pat) Watson, sister Bettie (Bob) Raymond, daughter Shari (Tom) Bruck, son John (Margaret) Watson, son Troy Watson, daughter Susan (Brad) Young, son Brian (Tami) Ewing, step-son Don (Nancy) Benincasa, step-daughter Di (Karl) Ziegler, step-son Dominic (Emily) Benincasa, step-daughter Linda (Matt) Peacore, twenty grandchildren, former wives Marty Watson and Donna Viering, numerous nieces and nephews, and other family and friends. John is preceded in death by his father, William (Bill) G. Watson, mother, Rose E. Watson, sister, Rose Marie Morris, brother-in-laws, Bob Morris and Bob Raymond, and niece, Ann Raymond. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Boy Scouts of America or Miami University’s Red and White Club. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit, www.hilliscombsnestor.com

John Edward Watson

August 24, 1939 - March 9, 2017