David Nels Watson

A life-long Lutheran, David Nels Watson, 74, of Boca Raton passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, and has joined his parents praising God in heaven. David is survived by his wife, Debra List Watson, of Boca Raton. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 6th of this year. He is also survived by his daughter Dehanna Watson of Greenville, SC, son, Dane Watson, of Boca Raton, FL and brother in law, John List, of Boca Raton, FL.  

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, David is the first child of four surviving siblings:  Bill Watson, Bruce Watson (Miyuki), Pam Wrigley (Gary), and Brenda Warburten (Craig).

David’s passions in life were his faith in Jesus, his family, photography and playing music, notably on the guitar and cello. In addition to singing bass with South Florida’s Nova Singers, David also sang with St. Paul Lutheran Church’s festival choir and male chorus. 

He enjoyed cooking and grilling and sharing both with family and friends. 

David leaves behind a family deeply grateful for his life and legacy. A Celebration of Life & Faith will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33432. The service will be live-streamed on St. Paul’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@st.paullutheranchurchandsc3708     

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church’s Music Ministry or to Nova Southeastern University’s Nova Singers: http://nova.edu/novasingers.

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