Watson-Milton Funeral Home

04/05/2026

Thousands of years ago, Jesus Christ conquered sin and death so that we sinners might have life and have it to the full. Happy Easter!

04/05/2026

Bruce Martin Sr., age 76, passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, in Trenton, Florida. He was born on June 27, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Bruce lived a life marked by service, and deep devotion to his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for four years as part of intelligence infantry and mechanics. His military service took him to Hawaii following the Vietnam era and was later stationed in Korea.

A man of many passions, Bruce began riding motorcycles in 1970, a hobby he carried with him throughout his life. He also had a love for music, spending countless hours playing guitar, mandolins, and even ukuleles. Whether strumming a tune or working with his hands, Bruce found joy in creating and fixing. He had a natural ability to understand how things worked. If something was broken, he could figure out what was wrong and make it right. He loved to learn and was always eager to take on a new challenge.

Above all, Bruce was a family man. As a grandfather, he was endlessly loving and known for spoiling his grandchildren every chance he got. His warmth, humor, and presence made lasting impressions on those around him. As a husband, he was devoted, intelligent, and dependable. A partner who could be counted on through anything.

Bruce had a great sense of humor and a personality that was both warm and direct. He was known for being blunt and honest, never one to sugarcoat the truth.

He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his skilled hands, his love of music and motorcycles, and most of all, the deep love he had for his family. Bruce Martin leaves behind a legacy of strength, honesty, and unwavering devotion that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Mary Martin.

Bruce is survived by his wife Debra Martin of 40 years; his children, Lela Johnson (Billy), Molly Grant (Luke), Bruce Martin Jr. (Colleen), Matthew Martin, Jessica Taylor (Josh), and Charles Martin; his grandchildren, Teresa Costa (Alex), Gavin Dawson (Jennifer), Weston Lynch, Xander Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Dylan Grant, Maylee Grant, Macen Grant, Bailee Martin, Brice Martin, Shawn Martin, Layla Martin, Savannah Homblette, Sierra Homblette, Susannna Homblette; his great grandchildren, Oscar Costa, Félix Costa, and Cozette Costa. He is also survived by his sisters, Susan Dona (Richard) and Barbara Runion.

A funeral service to honor Bruce will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM, at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. Family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 12:00 PM. Bruce will be laid to rest immediately after the service at Trenton Cemetery. Military honors will conclude the service in recognition of his dedicated and honorable military service.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. www.WatsonMilton.com (352) 463-8888

04/03/2026

Funerals have been around from the beginning of time, and at Easter, we focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you consider his sacrifice, also think about the meaningful rituals that surrounded the care of his body. This article discusses seven funeral rituals from Jesus' time that still exist today and are an important part of how we remember and honor those we love.

Even though we've gained a lot of modern conveniences, some things never change. Check out this article to learn 7 funeral rituals that have lasted ages.

04/03/2026

Good Friday reminds us that Christ suffered so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

03/31/2026

Does your family know what to do after your death?

If they don’t, then planning your funeral is likely to be more emotionally and financially draining than you might think. But you can ensure their success by creating an easy-to-understand roadmap to your wishes.

Simply sit down with us, review your options, and write down your wishes. You will make a difficult day so much easier for your grieving family.

Call us at (352) 463-8888 to schedule a time to chat.

03/30/2026

03/27/2026

Getting your affairs in order may feel a little overwhelming, but it's an excellent way to make the future easier on your children and heirs. To make the process simpler, check out these 5 steps to getting your affairs in order and start today!

If you are interested in getting your affairs in order, take a moment to review these tips for getting started on the process.

03/26/2026

Ira Gore, 81, of Chiefland, Florida, passed away on March 24, 2026 at Haven Hospice in Chiefland. Born on December 1, 1944, he was an example of quiet strength to all who knew him.

Ira was born to the late Ira Cleveland and Sleatha (Cannon) Gore in Chiefland, the sixth of ten children. He graduated from Chiefland High School as a part of the class of 1962. In 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and faithfully served his country for two years while he was stationed in North Korea. Following his return home, Ira served four years in the United States Army Reserves.

Ira was a devoted and beloved member of the Trenton Church of Christ. He was known by all as a quiet, gentle, and kind man. His simple and humble nature, paired with a strong work ethic, led to a career with Central Florida Electric Cooperative for 30 years.

Ira was a fourth generation Florida farmer, nurturing and sowing watermelons alongside his brother. He had a passion for working in and canning vegetables in his garden, often bringing his family together in the fields.

For the past ten years, Ira and his family grew sugar cane and came together to create homemade cane syrup. He enjoyed the hard work and quality time together and lovingly shared cane syrup with family and friends.

In a beautiful union that lasted almost 57 years, he was married to his loving wife, Linda Matthews Gore. Together they created a warm and nurturing family environment that was a testament to their profound love for one another.

He leaves behind his cherished daughters, Belinda (Randy) Wilkerson and Anita (Pat) Parrish; his adoring grandchildren, Taylor Parrish, Ashley Wilkerson, Blaine (Julie Ann) Parrish, and Alana Wilkerson; brothers, Edward Gore, Wesley Gore and Lesley (Elwanda) Gore, his sisters; Betty Sue McElroy, Audrey (Johnny) Parrish, and Linda Gore.

Ira is preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda Gore; his parents, Ira Cleveland and Sleatha Gore, as well as his sisters, Dorothy Harper, Margie Lee, and Willie Ray.

Ira Gore’s legacy of quiet strength, kindness, and service to God will continue to remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

A visitation will be held at Trenton Church of Christ, located at 502 NE 7th St, Trenton, Florida, on Monday, March 30, 2026 beginning at 12pm. A funeral service will follow at 1pm. Ira will be laid to rest immediately following the service, where military honors will be conducted at Antioch Cemetery, 6230 NW CR 345, Chiefland, Florida. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. 352-463-8888.

03/20/2026

Grieving as a family can be difficult, especially if you are all grieving at different rates and depths. But having a funeral service can help you each take necessary steps toward healing and grow closer together in the process. Click the link to learn more about healing as a family after loss.

Every family will face unique challenges on the road toward healing after a death. Learn how a funeral can help with the process!

03/20/2026

Today is the first day of spring! While the winter has its own beauty, there's nothing like the cool days of spring as the flowers bloom and the grass turns green again. What are you looking forward to seeing again now that spring is here?

03/19/2026

Carolyn Thomas, 68, passed away on March 16, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Chiefland, Florida. She was born on February 8, 1958, in Gainesville, Florida.

Carolyn was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Kenrick, who lovingly described her as the perfect wife. If they weren’t working, they were side by side, sharing life together. She was his everything and his greatest supporter, and their bond was one built on deep love, companionship, and quiet moments. Especially the ones spent sitting on their porch watching planes pass overhead.

For over 30 years, Carolyn dedicated her career to Bell Elementary School, where she worked as a guidance clerk. She poured her heart into her work and cherished every child she encountered. Fiercely protective and deeply caring, she kept in touch with many of them over the years, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Carolyn was a wonderful and devoted mother to her daughter, Amanda. She always wanted the absolute best for her, offering constant encouragement, love, and support. Her giving nature and steady presence shaped Amanda’s life in countless meaningful ways, and their bond was one rooted in deep love and pride.

Carolyn had a larger-than-life personality, and at times wonderfully fiery. Beneath that strength was a deeply loving woman who was also a devoted sister, practically raising her siblings when they were growing up. Her love for family extended to her grandchildren, whom she adored being “Nanny” to.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from feeling the breeze at the beach, to sharing peaceful, quiet moments with Kenrick. She was also known for her famous cracklin’ cornbread. Her faith was an important part of her life; she was of the Baptist faith and loved the Lord wholeheartedly.

Mrs. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Clark and Muriel Cannon; her step son, Kenrick Dale Thomas Jr., and her brother James Homer Cannon.

She is survived by her wonderful husband, Kenrick Thomas; her daughter, Amanda (Everett) Langford; her siblings, Billy Cannon (Shanann), and Sharon Batson; her grandchildren, Kade Langford (Ashley) and Montana Langford (Sarah). She is also survived by 4 great grandchildren, Bryson, Grayson, Annalee, Jasper, and little Charlie who’s on the way.

Carolyn will be remembered for her strength, her love, her unwavering devotion to those she held dear, and the lasting impression she left on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service for Mrs. Carolyn will be held on Sunday, March 22, at 2:00 PM, at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. Family will receive friends for a visitation at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Haven Hospice. www.havenhospice.com/donate

Watson-Milton Funeral Home is honored to assist Mrs. Carolyn’s family during this time. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. www.WatsonMilton.com (352)463-8888