Daryl James Watson of Mason passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 62.

Daryl was born February 8th, 1963, in Midland, but grew up in Stephenville, Texas, which he called home from 1971 to 1988.

Daryl was an amazingly talented musician and songwriter, but was also a very gifted artist, sculptor, designer, craftsman, metal fabricator, writer, reporter / journalist, actor, and all-around philosopher of life.

Daryl's love for musicianship and songwriting was enduring from his childhood to his final days.  He began playing guitar around the age of 12, mastered that instrument within a few months, and expanded to dozens of other instruments.  He was genuinely one of those savants who can pick up any instrument and within a few hours sound like he had been practicing for years on it.

Daryl graduated from Stephenville High School in 1981, and subsequently attended Tarleton State University, where he excelled in many subjects but none more than Theatre.  He earned many accolades as an actor, director, score composer, and eventually took on many of the administrative duties of the Theatre department in his later years at Tarleton.

After college, Daryl began focusing his efforts on his own songwriting, penning the first of what would become a large catalog of excellent songs.

In 1990, Daryl's acting and musician chops earned him a role as Nat Fitzgerald in the Cody Wyoming musical production of "Ballad of The West", where he worked alongside some of his acting and musical heroes such as Steve Fromholz, Bobby Bridger, Slim Pickens, Joe Sears, Wes Studi, and many others.

Daryl's next journey in life would see him focusing more on the songwriting that he began prior to his stint in Ballad of The West, working the music scene in Austin, Wimberley, and finally in Mason, where he settled down to start a family and where he remained until his passing.

Working as a craftsman and metal fabricator, many homes in Mason and the surrounding area are still adorned with his custom iron work, masonry, and art.

Daryl was diagnosed with cancer in the early 2000's, but despite two decades of fighting it and a few false hopes of remission, it ultimately destroyed his body such that he could no longer play guitar.  It ultimately claimed his life on December 13th, 2025.

He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents and his beloved dogs Rita and Laya, and no doubt catching up on a lot of overdue picking and grinning.

Daryl is survived by his sons Brennan Hillhouse Watson of Mason, Carlos Lafayette Watson (Karolyn) of Mason, and Thomas Zen Steward of Brady, his daughter Melina Porter (Jody) of Fort Worth, and his brothers David Watson of Midland, and Brian Watson (Rachelle) of Grassy Creek N.C.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at masonfuneralhome.net