Donald Eugene Watson

Donald Eugene Watson passed in Evansville, IN, on October 10, 2013, from natural causes at the age of 69, in the peace of his own home. Donald was born on October 29, 1944 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, IN.

Donald married his wife of 40 years, Laura Jean DiLegge, at St. Theresa Church in Evansville, IN on August 11, 1973. Donald graduated from Central High School and attended Evansville College until his departure for Vietnam. Donald was honorably dis-charged on July 10, 1972.

Once Donald came home, he started his family. He lived and proudly took care of his childhood home. Donald worked endlessly and tirelessly for SIGECO from 1969 until 2006, barring his war time efforts, serving Evansville for 37 years. While Donald was a family man and a working man first and foremost, he also loved his horses, his cards, and his own voice. More than anything, he loved and lived to help those among us. A baseball coach for more than a decade, Don loved his sports. He taught his sons and his players the meaning of discipline, preparation, team work, team efforts, and how to always…always plan ahead. He taught Aaron a wicked curve ball and helped Coach Jason to the Pony League World Series. If Don wasn’t coaching, working, or taking care of his family and his land, he was taking care of others. Whether it was a tire change, brake change, tree trimmed, or an economics lesson, he was there if you needed and sometimes even when you didn’t.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph T. and Lorena Katherine Watson, sister, Margret M. Hoss, and nephews Mark Allen Watson, David Michael Watson, and Ralph T. Watson Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Jean Watson; sons, Aaron Donald Watson and Jason Anthony Watson; granddaughter, Abigail June Watson; daughter-in-law, Sarah Lynn Watson; stepdaughter, Carole Elaine Young; step-grandchildren, Brook Elaine Davis, Christian Wayne Davis, and Harley Elizabeth Young. Also survived by his siblings are, Dorothy L. Conder, Hazel R. Knight, Ralph T. Watson (JR.) and spouse Marget, Frederick R. Watson (Fritz) and spouse Sharon, and Carole Sue Biggs (Sue) and husband Ronald; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at Alexander East Chapel, with burial in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.