Gary Gene Watson, age 78, passed away October 26, 2021, peacefully at his home in Gas City, Indiana. He was born on January 12, 1943, the son of Garrard and Dorothy Watson in Richmond, Indiana.
He graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1961 and served his country in the US Navy from 1961-1966 on the USS Forrestal. Gary was a 34-year member of The American Legion, serving twice as the Commander of Post 95. He was also a member of the Moose and a 32⁰ Freemason. He enjoyed the open-road as an independent owner/operator of Gas City Truck & Trailer. Retiring from trucking after traveling the continental United States, Gary liked to spend his free time bowling, boating, fishing, drinking beer and bullshitting.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Norma Watson of Gas City; 5 children, Gary (Tracy) Watson, Tracy (Chan) Yun, Melinda (Farron) Scheuneman, Darcy (Landon) McDonald, Calaway (Kiley) Terry; 15 grandchildren, Harleigh, Jaxon, Kendall (Jeremy), Navey, Nixon, Emma, Carter, Ava, Brynnley, Rilie, Elysie, Lillie, Lane, and Calley; brother, Dennis Watson; in-laws, Nancy Watson, Vicky Watson, Roger (Wendy) Shisler, Renee (Dave) Dodson, Rita Steele, Rex (Kathy) Shisler, Nancy Neff, Nelda (Gilbert) Owen, Carol (Tim) Lock; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Garrard and Dorothy Watson; father and mother-in-law, Frederick and Alice Shisler; brothers, Doug and Roger Watson; brothers-in law, Steve Glant, David Dodson, Harry Neff III, Tom Steele, and Ned Shisler; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Watson.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rachel, Tabitha and Mike with Heart to Heart. Memorial donations may be given in his honor to Heart to Heart Hospice, 1385 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN, 46952.
The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Gary’s life will begin at 11:30 am with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating. Burial will take place at Marion National Cemetery.
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