Donald L. Watton, retired insurance executive

Donald L. Watton, 84, of Boise, Idaho, and formerly of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at the Idaho State Veterans Home with family by his side.

Donald was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and was married to the late Sally E. Watton for 59 years. He is survived by his three children, Dedde Cornell (Frank) of Boise, Donna Watton de Kuyper (Scott) of Lewes and Richard L. Watton (Lisa) of Cumming, Ga., and his brother, Lindsey F. Watton Jr. of Oreland, Pa. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Zachary Nikkhooy, Montana and McKinnon de Kuyper, and Chase and Payton Watton; and three stepgrandchildren: Ana Nasrin, and Brock and Madison Cornell. Donald was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, having served on the USS Jupiter. He went on to attend Drexel College and work as an insurance executive for 40 years, retiring as a vice president of corporate accounts that included the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Mich.

Don was a character; a devoted family and outdoorsman, he was a high school athlete, Eagle Scout, Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, ski instructor and patrolman, and an early member of the North-South Skirmish Association. “Paw” loved to shoot, ski, hunt, camp, golf, fish and garden. Friends in Lewes may remember the Wattons' elaborate Costume Tomato Parties. Although his wife, Sally, was the former actress, Donald was also quite dramatic and a great teller of tales, complete with authentic accents when called for.

The family wishes to thank the Idaho State Veterans Home for its dedicated care of Donald and all the other veterans in the facility. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Idaho State Veterans Home in Donald’s name.