Terry was born August 2, 1947, to Jackson and Carole (Stone) Watson in Mitchell, South Dakota. He attended school up through high school, receiving his diploma. He answered the call to service and served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam Era from 1967-1970. He was later honorably discharged from service and returned home.

Terry was united in marriage to his first wife, Vicki Somers in 1973 until her passing in 1983. From this union, they had two children together, Chad and Kelly. From 1982 on, Terry and family lived in Green Mountain, IA. Terry was later united in marriage to his long time love Linda Saxen on November 2, 2002. For years, Terry worked for Nichols and Green as a manager shoe salesman, prior to his retiring from Handy Manufacturing, both located in Marshalltown, IA. Many who knew Terry said he enjoyed talking with others, he was easily approachable and liked to shoot the breeze. He was known for being a good friend to all.

In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking projects with an emphasis on bird houses, drawing, target shooting with old cans, trips to the library in search of a good book and visiting everyone out in the neighborhood. He loved animals and spending time with his children and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Linda Watson: his children, Kelly (Jake) Smith, of Amana, IA and Chad Watson, of Green Mountain, IA: his grandchildren: Presley Watson, Parker Smith and AJ Smith: his brother, Michael “Mike” Watson: several nieces and nephews and many other loving family members from his first marriage.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Vicki Watson: his granddaughter, Mackenzie Lown: his parents: his siblings, Lori Langen and Daniel Watson and his niece Shaina Watson.

Memorial services for Terry will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, beginning at 2:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Full military honors for Terry will be provided by the Combined American Legion/VFW Honor Guards following the services. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.