Donald D. Watson, age 76 of Barryton, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2013 at his home with his family by his side. He was born June 16, 1936 in Detroit, the son of Donald and Hazel (Duprey) Watson. Don graduated from Redford Union Public Schools in 1954. He continued his education at John Carroll University in Cleveland, transferred to the University of Detroit and then earned his Bachelors Degree of Education at Michigan State University in 1961. Don went on to achieve his Master's Degree and Specialist Degree in education at Eastern Michigan University. On June 23, 1962 he married Kay Koopikka at St. Valentine Catholic Church in Redford and together they raised their family in Howell. Don's lifetime educational career began in 1961 with the Farmington Public Schools as a third grade elementary teacher. He moved on to Redford Union Schools in 1962 and taught at Westland Elementary until 1967. His career path took him to Howell Public Schools, where he became a principal at various elementary and middle schools. He moved on to an Assistant Superintendent of Building Operations, planning for renovations of various schools and the planning and development of Howell's Schools very first swimming pool. During his career he was affiliated with the M.E.A. and the early stages of the creation of teacher-contract negotiations at Redford Union Schools. He was also a member of the M.A.S.A. He retired from his educational career in 1997. He was an avid sports car racer throughout the Midwest from the late 1950's to the mid 1960's. He was a member of the MG Car Club (MGCC) and the Sport Car Club of America (SCCA). Don enjoyed the outdoors throughout his life - hunting, fishing, gardening, landscaping and maintaining his expansive lawn. He was a member of the Chippewa Lake Game Management Organization, hosting informational luncheon meetings at his home. Don aided in the architectural design of their last two homes. He enjoyed bird hunting with his Brittany Spaniels and photography early in his life. An ardent sports fan; he loved watching the MSU Spartans, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions, Formula 1 and Indy Car Racing and listening to the Detroit Tigers games. Don loved his family and friends and was the ever-constant teacher, mentor and caring man. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Kay Watson of Barryton; son, Donald Watson and his wife, Paula DeKeyser of Cheboygan, MI; daughter, Laura Watson of Columbus, OH; two grandchildren, Kristin and Patrick Watson; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, and many close nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, two half-sisters and sister-in-law. A celebration of Don's life will take place 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12th at his home. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to the Howell Education Foundation (www.howelleducationfoundation.org) or Hospice of Michigan (www.hom.org)