Lester Dane Watson, 85, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Princeton Nursing and Rehabilitation.
He was born on June 4, 1940, in Caldwell County, Kentucky, to his late parents, Lilliard F. and Lillian N. (Sons) Watson. Lester faithfully served the Lord in pastoral ministry for six decades, pastoring churches from 1965 until 2025 across Caldwell, Lyon, Trigg, Crittenden, Livingston, and Hopkins Counties. Throughout those years, he was known for his steady faith, servant’s heart, and genuine love for the people he ministered to. He was actively involved in the work of the church beyond the pulpit, serving on numerous committees within the Caldwell-Lyon Baptist Association, Little River Baptist Association, Ohio River Baptist Association, and the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Lester also had a heart for missions, making trips to Perth and Derby, Australia, and to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he joyfully shared the gospel and served alongside fellow believers. Lester was especially passionate about supporting the residents of Bright Life Farms, where he faithfully volunteered and served as a member of the Board of Directors.
In addition to his pastoral calling, Lester worked many years bi-vocationally as a soil conservationist, semi-truck driver, John Deere mechanic, and held positions with Fredonia Valley Enterprises and Grinnell. He was also highly skilled in carpentry and cabinetry work, which became one of his primary occupations, along with dozer and backhoe excavation. When he wasn’t working or serving in ministry, Lester enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, gardening, working on the farm, cheering for UK basketball, and making summertime visits to Belew’s Dairy Bar in Aurora for one of his favorite meals.
Lester is survived by his two daughters, Cindy (James) Hamby of Caldwell County, Susan (Tommy) Ray of Caldwell County; son, Ricky (Elizabeth) Watson of Lyon County; three grandchildren, Bryant (Courtney) Hamby of Madison, AL, Duke (Lauren) Ray of Caldwell County, Coy (Tiffany) Ray of Caldwell County; ten great-grandchildren, Ellie and Cole Hamby, Jackson, Everett, Kenneth, Rose Lynn and William Ray, Hunter, Mason and Kenzie Ray; and special friend, JoAnn Dalton of Caldwell County.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Martha L. (Ordway) Watson.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Morgan’s Funeral Home with Bro. Ronnie Sivells officiating with Phil Van Hooser assisting. Burial will follow in Morse Cemetery in Caldwell County.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Morgan’s Funeral Home.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Lester’s memory to Bright Life Farms, c/o Roberta Robertson, 6773 US Hwy 62 W, Kuttawa, KY 42055.
