Of Goleta, CA died in the early morning hours of January 20, 2013 at Serenity House in Santa Barbara. Dave was born in Santa Barbara to the late Marian McCandless Watson and Jay David Watson Sr. and lived most of his life in the area.
Dave graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1953 and he married Veone Muhlenbruck at the Presbyterian Church on January 30, 1955. Dave graduated from UCSB with a degree in Zoology, then entered the Army as an officer in 1957. They had a daughter Kate in 1963 and another daughter Jo in 1965. The Army saw fit to send him to Germany, Vietnam, and back to the states when his wife became ill. She died in December of 1967.
Raising two young children alone was a difficult task and he had two more marriages that were short lived.
Dave found his place in Goleta with his best friend and soul mate Jean Marie. They were together always, laughed often, loved much. Dave was most recognized in his cowboy hat and boots, ready to talk and help those in need. His interests ranged from the earth to the stars and everything in between. He is survived by Jean Marie, daughter Kate and her husband Jim; daughter Jo and her husband Kevin, and grandson Jake David. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ellen and her husband John; nieces Pam and Kim, nephew Lars, and many great nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at a later date. He requested that any donations in his memory be made to Serenity House/Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care.
