Joshua Dale Watson was born in Springfield, Missouri, on September 21, 1982. He was the youngest child of Corey Watson and Rebecca Matney. He lived his entire life in Galena, Missouri. He graduated from Galena High School in 2001.

He worked as a concrete construction laborer but was also a jack of all trades. He could literally fix anything. His favorite job was making and gifting things to bless his loved ones.

Joshua was a man of strong faith and believed that God always had his back. He loved his church family at Healing River Worship Center, where he attended from the time he was six years old.

He is survived by the love of his life, Mary, and his precious children, Ava, Jude, Noah, and Sophie. He is also survived by his mother, Rebecca Matney, and bonus dad, Mike Matney; his father, Corey Watson, and bonus mom, Patty Watson; his brother, Corey (Andi) Watson; his sister, Mindy (Eric) Seymour; his stepbrothers, Michael (Kim) Matney and Bill (Jenny) Matney; his stepsister, Jennifer (Nick) denDaas; his step-grandma, Audrey Matney; his father- and mother-in-law, Dr. Jim and Angie Lukavsky; his favorite bro group, Chris Lukavsky, David Lukavsky, Daniel Newsome, and Carson Underwood; special sisters-in-laws, Anna Underwood, Trista Lukavsky, Megan Lukavsky, Michelle Purdy, and Becci Newsome; and a host of extended family and friends.

He is joining in heaven his grandparents and his special cousin, April Batson. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Healing River Worship Center, Walnut Shade, MO with Pastors Rob Watson and Tim Snider officiating. Burial will be in Schupbach Cemetery, Spokane, MO under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane, MO.

Joshua 1:9 NKJV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."