Nyle Thomas Watson

Our beloved father, Nyle Thomas “Tom” Watson, 91, of Heber City, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 15, 2026. Born on May 27, 1934, in Heber City to Venice Hicken and Thomas Squire Watson. He grew up working on his grandfather’s farm, where he learned the value of hard work, dedication, and responsibility. Those early mornings and long days in the fields shaped the man he would become and prepared him for a lifetime of providing for and serving others.

As a young man, Tom met the love of his life, Marva Young. Tom always said she was the “most popular girl in the school,” and Tom was more than a little nervous when he asked her out on their first date. It didn’t take long for him to realize she was the one. She was everything he had hoped for in a wife and eternal companion—kind, faithful, and devoted to family. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 2, 1952, and soon began building a beautiful family together.

Tom loved to work and believed that honest labor kept him grounded and focused. Over the years, he started and managed several small businesses. He farmed, raised chickens, and delivered dairy products from Watson’s Poultry Farm. From a young age, he was fascinated by cameras and photography. That interest led him to open a camera repair business in Salt Lake City. His passion eventually became his career when Brigham Young University invited him to run their camera services department. Tom loved working with students and faculty and took great pride in helping the department grow and succeed. He retired in 1999, dedicating himself fully to spending time with and “pestering” his beloved Marva.

Tom faithfully served in many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a deep love for the gospel and for his Savior, Jesus Christ, and demonstrated that love daily through quiet service and steadfast example. From January 2000 to July 2001, Tom and Marva served a mission in the Greece, Athens Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spending their entire mission in Beirut, Lebanon. It was not a place they had ever imagined they would visit, but they had always desired to serve a mission and gratefully embraced the unique opportunity to serve where they were most needed. They came to deeply love the people of Lebanon and cherished the privilege of sharing the gospel. The experience blessed their lives immeasurably and strengthened their testimonies, creating memories and friendships they treasured for the rest of their lives.

Service was central to Tom’s life. He especially loved his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, dedicating countless hours to mentoring and guiding young men. In 1997, he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his distinguished service.

Tom was preceded in death by his beautiful companion, Marva Young Watson; his parents, Venice and Thomas S. Watson; and his brother, Claud Henry Watson.

Family was everything to Tom. He is survived by his 2 sisters Beverly (Warren) and Bonnie. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in his children: Debra; Wayne (Luana); Wendee (John); Bonnie; Tamara (Steve); Sandra (Russ); Susan (Wade); Jennifer (Andy); Malynda (Ben); and Michael (Jennifer); along with 43 grandchildren, many great and great-great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish his example, stories, steady presence, and unwavering love.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 240 East 400 South, Heber City, Utah. A viewing will be held at the church that morning from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Heber City Cemetery.