Danny Joe Watson

Danny Joe Watson, of Groesbeck, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Mexia, at age 77, after a short time residing in Skilled Care of Mexia.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Groesbeck Funeral Home.

Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, May 30, 2026, with Pastor Clifton Jones of the Prairie Grove Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Lost Prairie Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jeffery Bump, Jaxson Alexander, Jace Overman, Kenneth Pierce, Trey Fulmer, and Chris Wallitsch.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Williams, James Williams, Derwood Marsh, Larry Stefka, Payton Wallitsch, James Cash Ellis, Clint Williford, Bill Carpenter, and the Groesbeck High School "Class of 1967."

Danny was born January 6, 1949, in Groesbeck, to Vernon Ennis Watson and Donnie Delmereen (Sims) Watson. He grew up in Groesbeck, graduating from Groesbeck High School in the Class of 1967.

He attended Navarro Junior College and then earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration at Sam Houston University in Huntsville in 1974.

Danny had a long career of 30+ years with Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville. He lived in Huntsville until retiring from TDCJ in 2010, when he moved back to Groesbeck. After one month of retirement, he went back to work for Mexia State Supported Living Center, where he most recently retired February 6, 2026.

Danny was a people person; he loved people and enjoyed those he worked with. Danny was a life member of Lost Prairie Baptist Church while growing up, and joined membership at University Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville, TX. during his years working and living there.

Danny was a strong, determined and “matter of fact” man. He enjoyed caring for his yard, lawn and flower beds and took care of other family members’ yards. He had an outstanding garden crop every year and one time was “yard of the month” in Groesbeck. Danny also enjoyed taking excellent care of his car. As a teenager, he had loved to spend time caring for his car, washing, waxing and shining it, even when he had to use sugar and water to get shining wheels. He continued his practice of keeping a clean car the rest of his life, even taking care of Ann’s car.

His sister Donna considers Danny to be the best big brother. He was a giver with a big heart, helping people, co-workers, and friends.

He enjoyed his years with his long-time companion, Ann Henderson and adopted Ann and her family as his own, accepting them into his life as his own family. He helped raise the young ones as a grandfather would, earning the title “Dan Dan.”

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Delmereen Watson; nephew, Christopher Williford; and extended family member, Taylor Smith.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Donna Sue and Buddy Williford of Mexia, and their family – his nieces, Sheila Wallitsch and husband Chris, and Brandi Rhodes and husband Revendy; nephew, Clint Williford and wife Amber, great nieces and nephews: Brittany Campbell, Trey Fulmer, Payton Wallitsch, James Ellis, Austin Williford and Bailee Williford; and great-great nieces and nephews.

Also surviving is his long-time companion, Ann Henderson and her daughter, Alison Stringfellow and her family who he loved like grandchildren: Brook-lynn Hendrix, Caleb Hendrix, Jace Overman, and Jaxson Alexander, all of Van, TX and great grandchildren, Beau Hendrix and Ellie Overman, of Van.

He also leaves behind Michelle Boutte and Gwen Stanford and other friends and colleagues.