Charles D. Watson, restaurant operator

Mr. Charles Drainie Watson, 71, of Millsboro, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, in Frederick, Md.

Born March 17, 1940, in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Drainie Bergan and Mildred Viesman Watson.  He is preceded in death by son, David Watson; and great-granddaughter Riley Ann.

Surviving is his companion of 14 years, Carol Wilkens and her family; daughter and son-in-law Pamela and Todd McDonald and granddaughter Olivia McDonald, all of Harbeson.

He is also survived by sons Charles D. Watson II and Mark Wayne Watson; seven grandchildren, Shannon Prather, Joshua Tregoning, Mark Watson II, Lindsey Watson, Nathan Watson, Breanna Watson and Wyatt Watson; 10 great-grandchildren, Riley Tregoning, Desiraie Tregoning, Malachi Prather, Bishop Crampton, Madelynn Tregoning, Hayden Tregoning, Bryce Watson, Hazel Watson, Preston Main and Blake Main; and three siblings, Dennis Watson, William Watson and Carol Watson DeGrange.

For over 35 years Charles owned and operated Watson’s Family Restaurants in Frederick.  Charles was an avid motorcycle rider and enjoyed spending time on the road on his Harley-Davidson.  He was a national member of H.O.G. and charter member of the Eastern Shore H.O.G. Chapter and a current member of the Delmarva H.O.G. Chapter.  Charles was the treasurer of the Delmarva Bottle Club and loved buying and selling antiques.  He was also a licensed contractor for the State of Delaware and a 50-ton vessel captain certified by the U.S. Merchant Marines.

Charlie will be sorely missed by the “Friday Morning Long Neck Breakfast Club.”

The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday Aug. 30, and 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, with burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frederick.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Beebe Home Health Services via Beebe Medical Center, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.