Dal Alan Watson

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Dal Alan Watson passed from this life to his eternal home on Monday, August 25, 2025, in Midland, Texas, at the age of 58.

Born on September 1, 1966, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas, Dal was the eldest of three boys to Gary L. and Louise Watson. From an early age, his love of sports was unmistakable – he always had a ball in his hand. In high school, he became known as a standout football player for the Permian Panthers, serving as a captain of the 1984 State Championship team. He graduated from Permian High School in 1985, where he was Class President and honored as Mr. PHS. Dal went on to play football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 1985 to 1988 and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications in 1989.

After college, Dal and his former wife, Linda Douglas, settled in Midland, where they raised their three children, Melanie, Will, and Luke. A natural-born leader, Dal carried the same drive and determination that defined him on the field into his professional life. He began his career in insurance in Odessa and later established his own agency in Midland.

Dal’s passion for sports and heart to serve extended far beyond his career. For more than 30 years, he dedicated himself as a referee and umpire, giving his time to Midland little leagues, West Texas high school football, basketball, and baseball, and even officiating briefly at the college and minor league levels. To face him as an athlete was to meet a tough, gritty competitor. To encounter him as an official was to find someone fair, exacting, and deeply committed to the game.

Most importantly, Dal was a follower of Christ. His faith shaped how he loved his family, served his community, and encouraged others. He was a devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was also a loyal friend and colleague — always quick to ask how others were doing, always ready to encourage and support.

Dal was proud to be a West Texan and deeply loved the Midland community, where he served faithfully as a volunteer and leader.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gary L. Watson. He is survived by his mother, Louise Watson of Odessa; daughter, Melanie Watson of Midland; son, Will Watson and wife Ellie of Midland; son, Luke Watson and wife Sierra of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Evie and Wade Watson of Midland; brothers, Nolan Watson and wife Connie of Lubbock, and Zane Watson and wife Stephanie of Fort Worth; nieces and nephews, McKaleigh Gustafson and husband Brooks of Lubbock, Landry Watson and wife Lea of Lubbock, Jack Watson and Lucy Watson of Fort Worth; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Branch @ Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring St., Midland, Texas. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at First Baptist Midland, 2104 W. Louisiana Avenue, Midland, Texas.

“So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 ESV

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