Obituary of Danny Ray Watson

Graveside services for Danny Ray Watson, 64, of Tatum, NM will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 10:30 am at Tatum Cemetery with Bro. Harry Pittam officiating. Danny was born on August 31, 1955 in Portales, NM to William Benjamin and Doris Helen (Parkinson) Watson and passed away in Lubbock, TX on May 21, 2020. He attended school in Tatum, graduating with the class of 1974. During his childhood he enjoyed working with farm equipment, welding and delivering newspapers. After high school, Danny worked for Lea County Electric, Warren Petroleum and Mobile Pipeline. In 1981, he joined his mother and brother in operating Watson, INC, an oilfield trucking business. He was better known as the owner/operator of Danny's Hot Oil Service, DKD Disposals, DKD Production and RW fuels. While busy with his businesses, Danny also had a commitment to his community and county. He served on the Board of Leaco Rural Telephone, the Lea County Road Board, the Tatum Volunteer Fire Department and Tatum Airport Manager and also served several years as the Dairy Superintendent of the Lea County Fair. Many may remember Danny as the man who buzzed Lovington and Tatum with his helicopter and landed in fields close to his business interests. Preceding him in death was his father William "Ben" Watson; his grandparents: Lottie and Raymond Parkinson, John Isaiah and Nancy (Sharp) Watson and Step-father: Carroll Dean. Surviving him is his wife, Regina Watson of the home; two daughters: Kristi and husband Jay Allen of Tatum and Dana Watson and husband Mathew Johnson of Tatum; three Grandchildren: Kinley Allen, Jarett Allen and Jinsen Johnson; his mother Doris Dean of Hobbs, NM; one sister: Thylia and husband Ronnie Grant of Athens, TX; one brother: Stan and wife Joani Watson of Carlsbad, NM and three step-brothers: James and wife Ann Dean of Hobbs, NM, Terry and wife Dama Dean of Las Cruces, NM and Michael and wife Noel Dean of Salt Lake City, UT and a host of friends and extended family. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 25, 2020 from 3:00-6:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home, 1106 North Main in Lovington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Mayo Clinic, Development Department, 13400 East Shea Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85259 Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.