Mark Allen Watson

Mark Allen Watson, 68, of Layton, Utah, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026.

Born on April 3, 1958, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Mark was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness and resilience touched all who knew him.

Mark graduated from Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, Maryland, in 1977. A proud member of the undefeated 1975 Maryland Class A State Championship football team, he played defensive end and earned All-City Honorable Mention honors.

After meeting and marrying his wife, Wilma, Mark moved to Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania, where they spent most of their adult lives raising their three children. Buck Valley held a special place in his heart, as he greatly admired the beauty and serenity of the countryside. Mark spent his career as an independent owner-operator truck driver, devoting countless hours to the road to provide for his family. Outside of work, he enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting turkey and whitetail deer, riding motorcycles, and playing guitar. His greatest joy, however, was his family — especially his seven grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as "Pappy."

For the last 28 years of his life, Mark demonstrated extraordinary strength and perseverance while overcoming numerous illnesses and life-threatening injuries. Through every trial, he maintained a positive spirit, kind eyes, and a welcoming smile. He believed deeply in treating others with kindness and respect, often reminding his children to live by the Golden Rule.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Wilma Dean Watson; his children, Dustin A. Watson (Amanda) of Hagerstown, Maryland, Nikkia L. Corbett (Brandon) of Layton, Utah, and Colin L. Watson (Brooke) of Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania; his cherished grandchildren, Kambriah Watson, Bryce Watson, Brielle Watson, Crew Corbett, Kalia Corbett, Mack Watson, and Charley Watson; and his brothers, Linn E. Watson and Rick L. Watson (Steffany).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Lewis Watson and Mary Lou McFarland, and by his sister-in-law, Sharon Watson.

The family is grateful for the many blessings and miracles they witnessed throughout Mark's life and take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. He truly fought a good fight. His legacy of perseverance, kindness, and love will live on.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 200 Douglas Avenue, Hancock, Maryland. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the same location. Interment will follow at Buck Valley Memorial Cemetery in Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a memorial donation to Wilma Watson to help cover funeral and medical expenses. Your love, support, and generosity during this time of grief are sincerely appreciated.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, 141 West Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750.  Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.grfuneralhome.net.