VERNON, Vt. – Wayne Keith Watson, 84, of Marlborough, Vt. Passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Vernon Green Nursing Home. He was born on Feb. 9, 1941, in Fryeburg, Maine, and grew up in Sebago Lake Village.

Wayne graduated from Standish High School in 1959, where he played basketball and baseball. Shortly after, he served in the United States Army, dedicating three years to military service, including Berlin, Germany.

Following his military service, Wayne built a successful career at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut, where he worked with dedication for 27 years before retiring and moving to Marlborough, Vt. He held several positions in that area working in quality control relating to government contracts.

He was a man of many passions and a heart full of joy. He thoroughly enjoyed telling a good joke or telling a story. He loved bowling and dancing, always bringing a smile to those lucky enough to share the lanes or the dance floor with him. A devoted father and grandfather, he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. His love for family was evident in everything he did.

He found peace and happiness in the outdoors—whether it was camping or enjoying the serenity of a fishing trip. A lover of music, he especially enjoyed singing and playing the banjo. In quieter moments, he could be found lost in the pages of a good book.

Wayne was predeceased by his stepfather, Roland Woodbrey; infant son, Frederick; sister; Joan Gannett, stepbrother, Gilbert Woodbrey, stepsister, Carolyn Libby, sister-in-law, Donna Woodbrey, brother-in-law, Ernie Kimball; and great-nephew, Shawn Cote.

He was survived by his spouse Cheryl Watson; his children, Stephen, Michele, Kimberley, Travis and Seth; his mother, Mary Woodbrey; three sisters, Donna Wilson, Kathy Woodbrey and Cheryl Kimball, brother, Ronald Woodbrey; grandchildren Jesse Jenkins, Andrew, Anna, Gordon, Michael, Victoria, Ashley, Ariel, Maya, Dante, Madison, Brianna, Deacon, Tucker, and Eva; and 13 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro, Vt. at a date and time to be later announced.

Arrangements by Phaneuf Funeral Home Brattleboro, Vt.