Kevin Watson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Kevin Dale Watson, age 50, of Joplin, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024, as a result of being fatally run over by a truck.

Kevin was born December 5, 1973, in Joplin, MO and grew up in Houston, TX before returning to Joplin where he attended Joplin High School and received his GED. He then attended online courses in various classes for computer information science and refrigeration technician training. He worked for several years with Americold where he was a refrigeration maintenance tech and treasurer for the United Steel Workers #11-500.

Kevin was an active member of Abundant Life Christian Church in Joplin for many years. He loved his family very much and was an avid writer, currently in the process of having one of his books be published.

He volunteered with We Care of the Four States and Next Step of Joplin and enjoyed his time with others. He enjoyed video games and playing board games with his family, his favorites being Ticket to Ride and Yahtzee. He was very informed and was sure to let you know “he was always right!” He will be missed by family, friends, and co-workers very much. He was a Houston Astros fan and rejoiced when they won their games especially when they won the World Series in 2022.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Dale Watson, Jr. and grandmother, Mary Watson.

Survivors include his wife, Shawna Ackerson; sons, Tyler Shields, Branden Nelson, and Isaiah Watson; grandson, Jalen Nelson; parents, Sid and Charlie Melton of Joplin; sister, Kelley Lewis and husband Don of Springfield, MO, ½ brother, T.C. Mitchell; nephews, Gage Eiland, Dallas Lewis, Riley Schroter, Brock Lewis, and Austin Lewis; and his mother-in-law, Patsy McQuade of Carl Junction, MO.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Joplin Family Worship with Pastor Scott Simons officiating. A time of visitation will follow.

There will be a Celebration of Life that will be announced later for his Co-Workers and Union Members.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Benefit Account set up at Southwest Missouri Bank in Joplin titled For Benefit of Kevin D. Watson .


Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.