Stephen "Steve" Watson, beloved husband, father, and friend, has been freed of his earthly body and returned to the loving embrace of his Lord and Savior to receive his great reward.

Steve was born on December 15, 1948, in Washington, DC, passed peacefully on Monday, July 11, 2022, at a local Pensacola, FL hospital after a lengthy and arduous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Before moving the family to Pensacola in 1991, Steve was the First Chairman of the Deacons at South Run Baptist Church in Springfield, VA. In Pensacola, he was a dedicated member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.

A former Sergeant in the United States Army, Steve enjoyed a diverse and considerable career working for the Department of Defense in both Washington, DC, Pensacola, FL, and abroad. He was proud of his work, known for his diligence to it, and was honored to be called to service. He was a true patriot, but he was an even better man. In addition to his military service and extensive civil service career, he was married to the love of his life, Helen, for 48 years. Of his stellar life marked with numerous achievements, he counted both loving her and getting the opportunity to love her as his greatest, rivaled only by the honor to father and raise their two children.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Hillevi H. Seastrom (Sjöström), and father Henry B. Watson.

He leaves behind his cherished wife, Helen I. Watson; daughter, Jennifer H. Watson-Cornell and her husband, Earl; son, Joshua D. Watson; and his four grandchildren: Jacob Raydo, Elijah Cornell, Phoenix Cornell, and Phoebe Cornell. He leaves behind a brother, Henry "Bart" Watson and his wife, Judy; nephew, Dale Watson; and niece, Michelle Watson. Steve is also survived by a treasured legacy of personal and professional friendships. He will be greatly missed by all of his loving family and friends.

Please join us in a memorial service 10:30am Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL. An internment service consisting of military honors will occur thereafter at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Voice of the Martyrs ( https://www.persecution.com/donate ) or Gideons International ( https://www.friendsofgideon.org/joining-friends ).

Click this link to view additional details about Stephen's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/stephen-watson