Derek Fletscher Watson, 37, of Fayetteville passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2013. He was born February 7, 1976 to Danny Ray Watson and Linda Fletscher Fritz. Derek will always be remembered for his caring and kind heart. He was devoted to his family and friends. His warmth and infectious smile brought joy to us all. Derek enjoyed traveling with his many cherished friends to hear their favorite music, and considered his friends as family. He loved the Hogs, tailgating, and attending Razorback sporting events. Derek is and will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. Derek is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Otis Watson and Tom Fletscher and nephew, Gabriel Watson. He is survived by his parents; two brothers, Ryan Watson and Braden Watson and wife Rebecca; grandmothers, Jenny Fletscher and Helen Watson; nephew, Benjamin Watson; niece, Danielle Watson all of Fayetteville and many other family members and friends. The Derek Watson Memorial Fund has been set up at Signature Bank on Joyce Street in Fayetteville and will be used to make donations to Derek’s favorite charity Tunes for Tots. A memorial service will be held for family and close friends Friday November 1, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Garden Room, 215 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville. To share a memory or leave condolences on line please visit www.beardsfuneralchapel.com
Derek Fletscher Watson, February 7, 1976 ~October 23, 2013
Danny, Linda, and family of Derek,
Words cannot express how sorry we are for the lose of your son, brother, grandson, nephew, and loved one. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry & Dianne Omohundro
No word or paragraph could ease the pain you guys are in right now. We just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you. It pains us a lot, let us know if there is anything we can do to help you remember Derek or assist you in any other way possible. Prayers and good vibes are being sent your way.
much love,
Stiles Family
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about your son’s passing. Please know that I am praying for your family.
Janice
So sorry to hear of this tragedy, I know Derek will be missed! Such a good soul, I was glad to have known him even if only for a short time. My condolences to his family.
Danny I haven’t seen you in many years but my heart breaks for you.
Remain in my prayers during this time of tremendous sorrow.
I lived across the street from Linda Mhoon on Hwy 16
East.
So very painful. I am so sorry for your loss.
Love to all,
Marsha Marley
I cannot imagine the pain you must all be feeling at this time! There are no words to express how sorry we all are for your loss! Derek will be very missed and never forgotten! He was such a gentle creature with a kind spirit and soul! My fondest memories will be those twinkling blue eyes so full of energy and that silly lil laugh that came from so deep within his soul! May be peace be with you all in this time of grief! Know his spirit is amongst us!
Friend from California Jessica
Linda, I was shocked when I read Derek’s name in the paper. I am so very sorry for you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
To the boy I called Fletch-I’ll never forget the day I met you-in the stairwell at work when I ran smack into you & knocked over your crutch after you hurt yourself playing soccer. I was so embarrassed and you wouldn’t stop smiling & trying not to laugh at me. You gave me my 1st promotion, my 1st hug when I had to have surgery, helped me bowl my very 1st strike and let me know when my chick fil a consumption was out of control. You complimented every single razorback shirt I ever wore & explained why “holding” matters in a football game. You were a great man who’s smile you could see in your eyes & I will remember always. Thank you for being you, miss you already.
To Derek’s family-I am so deeply sorry for your loss, you raised a really great man. You are all in my prayers constantly.
Derek was a wonderfully kind hearted man. He is missed terribly. He was always there to help no matter what was needed. Lives were better just by knowing him. I am so sorry for this heartbreaking loss, he was a wonderful person and friend. I will always miss his smile and laugh.
I considered Derek one of my best friends growing up in Hyland Park together. He was the easiest person to hang out with…he was funny and humble and I appreciated that about him. I saw Derek a few weeks ago at a football game and he came up to me and gave me a big hug since we hadn’t seen each other in awhile. We exchanged numbers and promised to catch up soon. I actually emailed him early last week to follow up. When I heard the news I was devasted. Derek was one of the good guys in this world. To Danny, Ryan and Braden, God bless.
I’m so sorry for your lose. Derek was a great kid. Even though I haven’t seen a lot the past several years, when I would run into him somewhere around town or at a football game he would always come up with that big smile on his face to say hi. He will be greatly missed. The entire family is in my prayers.
Keith Ramsey
We will keep you in our prayers. So sorry for your loss.
I considered Derek one of my best friends while growing up in Hyland Park. He was funny and humble and was one of the easiest people to hang out with. I saw him a few weeks ago at a football game and he came up to me and gave me a big hug since we hadn’t seen each other in awhile. Derek was one of the good guys in this world…our thoughts are with Danny, Ryan and Brayden.
Danny,
My heart is broken for you and yours boys. Wishing you a peace that surpasses all understanding. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength to face the days ahead of you.
With Deepest Sympathy
Tony and Toni Brown
I am very sorry for your loss, Danny. John Leonard
Derek will forever live in our hearts. He was our best friend. He was the most kind, thoughtful and generous person I knew. We shared so many good times together, Derek was always there with a smile on his face. My heart goes out to his family and all our friends that loved Derek so much. He was a Brave Friend.
Love, Kelly&Brent Parker
Derek will truly be missed by all thar knew him. I know Derek from working wirh him. He was a very kind man, he would do anything for anyone. I will really miss not seeing him daily. Derek’s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers as is Derek. May he rest in peace.
Danny & Family,
I can’t believe this has happened. He was such a good kid from the time I knew him and his loss is unexplainable. I hope you find some comfort in knowing was such a kind and friendly person.
Brian Garner
may he rest in peace, my heart and prayers goes out to the family, very sorry for the loss.
Danny,
You are in Thelma and my thoughts and prayers. Vernon
Dearest Watson family,
I am a business associate of Derek’s and although I only had the pleasure of meeting him one time, I was very fortunate to speak with Derek quite often. No matter the subject at hand, our conversations always turned to the important stuff, our personal lives. He was so funny and kind with just the most gentlest, loving soul. I consider Derek a true friend, I feel so fortunate to have known him and I will truly, truly miss him. Please know that you are in my prayers during this unbearable time.
And my friend Derek, may you rest in peace, I’m gonna miss you!
Sincerely,
Dawn
Derek will be missed by many. My prayers go out to all his family and friends.
Danny, Linda and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family. What a tremendous loss, such a handsome young man. May God give you peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.
My prayers are with you all. I had the opportunity to engage with Derek through common friends and in music we shared a passion for and always found him to be a kind soul. May his soul rest in peace with the joy of music surrounding him each moment in the afterlife.
LH
Danny So sorry to see about Derek’s passing. Patsy
Derek always had a smile on his face. No matter how busy he was he found a minute to help a person with their issue. God must’ve needed an angel. Because he has one in Derek. Please take comfort in the wonderful memories you have of him. His family, friends and coworkers were very blessed to have Derek in their life, even if it was just a moment. God bless Derek.
Our deepest regrets to everyone who knew and loved Derek. Derek had the biggest heart and biggest smile we’ve have ever known. He will be missed more than our words will ever be able to express. Derek was a Hero in our family and we’ll never let a single memory fade.
We love you and miss you Derek.
Derek was a great guy. My wife and I thought a lot of him. We really enjoyed seeing him at shows. He will be dearly missed.
The best part of teaching is growing to love and appreciate so many students and their families through the years. Derek, Ryan, and Braden were three of them. My heart is heavy to hear of the loss of such a great kid. I pray that all of us will draw near to Christ through this time of incredible sorrow and know that God is sovereign. I pray peace and comfort on all of you as you celebrate the life of a caring and kindhearted man. Much love to all of you.
Lewis Clark, Ramay Band Director
Danny and family:
Our love and prayers are with you during this time. We pray that God will give you comfort and peace. Cary and Sonna
Ryan and Braden,
I am so very sorry about the death of your brother, Derek. I know how much you will miss his smile and his presence in your lives. Your family has always been special to me and I remember what great young men you were when we were in contact at school. You have good memories to share and lots of friends that are loving and supporting you in this hard time.
My love and prayers to you and your family,
Carolyn Crider
Ryan and Braden – My heart hurts so deeply for the loss of Derek. He had such a sweet spirit and a really big heart. He was genuinely a great guy. I’ve been praying for you guys and your family, may God comfort you all during this very difficult time.
Danny, Ryan, and Braden I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Derek was such a great guy! You are in my thoughts and prayers and if you need anything let me know.
Derek always had a smile on his face that gleamed through his blue blue eyes. He was such a breath of fresh air to be around and an all round wonderful guy. I will always remember him as a great friend and a kind and gentle soul. I will miss you forever Derek and am so grateful to have been a part of your journey, friend. My heart is broken for all of us who love Derek so much.
Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of knowing Derek understands and feels the loss of a truly compassionate soul. His beautiful eyes and smile gave everyone who encountered him a small glimpse into his sweet and gentle nature. I am thankful for ever having known him and sharing in his favorite things. Derek and his family are in my thoughts and in my heart…
Derek was such a kind and thoughtful person. We love him like a member of our family. He was always there to help in any way he could. We will miss his beautiful smile. Derek had such a large circle of very close and dear friends that loved him. Our deepest sympathy to Danny, Linda, Braden and Ryan. Love, Bev & BR
Lewis Clark said it very well. All of the Watson boys were special to me as my students, and more so because I worked with and have been friends with Linda for 25 plus years. We shared stories about our boys, and the love was always so obvious. You have a wonderful family who will help you through this tough time, and your friends will be here for you also. May Derek rest in peace. God bless you all.
Linda and family I’m so sorry for your loss.Y’all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Even though I haven’t seen Derek in many years, my fond memories of the time we spent together in middle school and high school are very vivid. What I remember most is how genuine he was and how people gravitated towards him because of that. He was one of the friendliest people I knew and always seemed to have a smile on his face and a positive attitude. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
Linda,
Words don’t seem to be enough to provide comfort and support during this difficult time, but I assure you that my thoughts and prayers are with You and your family.
Linda
I am so sad to hear about the loss of your son. I am praying for comfort for you and your family.
Derek was always so sweet and considerate. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Watson Family…
Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. I will continue to pray for your family…and that Dereck is at peace.
I was so very sorry to hear about Derek. He was a joy to work with, and was always helpful, friendly, and funny. He always took the time to ask me how I was doing, and would be the first to reach out with any help he could offer. He also sent me the kindest email not that long ago, after I had moved to Denver, just to see how the move was and how things were going. It really meant a lot to me, being in a new place, and I won’t forget that. Derek’s kindness will definitely be missed by many, many people– my condolences to all of his family and friends, all of us are thinking about you in this difficult time.
Always had a smile and a kind heart. He is missed.
Danny and Linda,
There are no adequate words to express our sorrow over your loss. We’re praying that God will give you the strength to endure and that you will find comfort and peace in your precious memories of Derek.
With deepest sympathy,
Jim and Karen
Linda and Jenny, our deepest condolences to you in the loss of your precious son and grandson. You, and your entire family and Derrick’s friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Wes and Paula Opela
I dont know your family but I am a co-worker to a family member. I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss and that I will be praying for peace and comfort for the entire family
My heart goes out to the Watson family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Derek in college and working with him in Little Rock after his graduation. He was a genuinely great guy and the world was definitely a better place with him in it. I am honored to have known him and to have called him my friend. Rest in peace, Derek. You will be missed.
My heart goes out to Derek’s family and friends. I will always remember him with a smile on his face. Derek was a wonderful person and he will be missed. May he rest in peace…
Derek, was a truly a good Friend and Co worker, unknow to me at the time his Great Uncle Paul was my Pastor in the Nazerne Church in Springdale and his Grandmother Helen was a great friends to my Family in the Church in Fayetteville. I respected Derek for this work ethics and knowledge but as a friend when I had also family issues. He will be truly missed by all. My family Vicki, Jonathan and Trisha will always have a place for him with us.
Dear Danny, Ryan, Braden, Linda, and family,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Derek was such a wonderful young man. Please know you are all in my prayers and thoughts. God bless you all.
Cindi Stepka Walker
Dear Linda and Family,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Derek. I still remember opening the door and seeing his smile along with Ryan when he was a little boy. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in our every thoughts during this difficult time.
Love to you all,
Kelly, Loi & Ethan Huynh
Danny, Linda, Ryan, Braden, Watson and Fletscher Families, and Cherished friends of Derek:
Words alone do not begin to express the deep sorrow that we feel for your loss. Derek was a fine extraordinary young man who stood for all that is right in this world. The Watson Family has long been a major part of our lives and we feel as if we have lost one of our own. We pray that God will give you comfort and the strength to endure this tragic loss. Rest in peace Derek. We feel proud to have known you and you will never be forgotten.
Danny and Linda and boys, we are so sorry for this great loss. We hurt for you all. We pray for God’s comfort.
There is a future and a hope, but the current pain is real. You are in our prayers.
Gary and Lin
Dear Family and Friends:
We are praying that you find comfort and peace as God lifts you up during this tragic time. Praying that some day your tears are transformed into wonderful memories of the moments you shared with Derek.
Love,
The Selle Family
Fayetteville
Derek, I will remember your smile and laughter the most. I pray you have found peace and comfort.
Linda and Family,
I wish there were words I could express that could better comfort you at this time. You are, and will continue to be, in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that I’m thinking of you during this time. I hope you are able to wrap yourself in a blanket of your family’s comfort and support. Please know I’m thinking of you and praying for you.
–Jerome
To the family…I had the pleasure of working a very short time with Derek and was a top notch young man both professional as well as out of the office. I truly am sorry for your loss and I just found out about this today. May God grant you his grace and love during this time of loss.