Donald L. Waterman

Donald L. Waterman, “Mr. Football,” 89, of Evansville, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 8, 2014, at Deaconess Hospital where he was surrounded by his family and friends. He was born April 7, 1924, in Evansville to the late Edwin and Edna Waterman.

Don graduated from F. J. Reitz High School in 1942. He served in the US Army during WWII as a Tank Commander under General George Patton. He earned a Purple Heart from injuries sustained at the battle of St. Leu, France.

He retired from Koch Label Company after 42 years. He was a member of St. James West United Methodist Church, The Disabled American Veterans, VFW Post #1114, the American Legion Eugene Pate Post and West Side Civitan.

Don was a lifelong supporter of Reitz football. He was a coach and equipment manager up to the time of his death. He was a member of the R Mens Club and past president of the Big Blue Boosters. Don was a mentor to his football players on and off the field.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 16 years, Jean Waterman; wife of 29 years, Mary Waterman; and wife of five years, Polly Stone Waterman; brother, Bruce Waterman; and grandson, Alex Myers.

Don is survived by his sons, Mike (Anne) Waterman of Louisville, KY and Tommy Lee Waterman of Evansville; daughter, Connie (Steven) Maurici of Apple Valley, CA; step-daughter, Cathy VanHorn (Laurie Stober) of Oregonia, OH; step-sons, David VanHorn (Elaine Hoversten) of Winterset, IA, Tony Stone and Bob (Ronda) Stone of Evansville; grandchildren, Doug (Kelly) Waterman, Ann (Kyle) Patterson, Mary (Justen) Jones, David Myers (Kelly Palmer), Nathan Myers, Paden, Elias, Burke, Caleb and Sylvie VanHorn and Wes and Brad Stone; great-grandchildren, Hannah Waterman and Kaleb and Taylor Patterson; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Rev. Gene Backes, with entombment in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Tuesday from 12:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reitz High School Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o Reitz High School Athletic Department, in honor of Don Waterman. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.