Edward Eugene Watterson

Edward was born in Grand Rapids, MI, to George and Irene Watterson on November 26, 1949. He attended Kentwood Public Schools and graduated from East Kentwood High School. He married Janiece Dixon in 1970 (divorced 1986), then married his soulmate, Cynthia Joy Heaslet, on December 23, 1986, in Fountain, CO. After her passing in 2015, he married Mary Jo Kahutek in 2017.

He graduated from El Paso Community College with an associate's degree in Mechanics and worked as a bus mechanic in Fountain, CO. He later spent 20 years as a large equipment mechanic for Aker Gulf Marine in Aransas Pass, TX. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, Ed served in the United States Army as a Buck Sergeant. He was active in Grange, his local VFW, and the Walk to Emmaus community. A long-time greeter at Ingleside United Methodist Church, he received a leadership award from the Coastal Bend Methodist community for his dedicated service to God. Ed was an avid fisherman who loved both fresh and salt water. He spent his free time on the lake or surf fishing, telling stories, antagonizing his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, golfing, and playing game after game of Yahtzee with his friends and family.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene Watterson; his wives, Janiece Campbell, Cynthia Watterson, and Mary Jo Watterson; and his step-son, Daniel Smith.

He is survived by his children, Dale (Patty) Watterson, Yvonne Pitt, and Edward (Ryan) Watterson II; his step-children, Gregory (Oneida) Smith, Theresa (Alison) Smith, Ben Smith, and Robin (Tim) Fox; his grandchildren, Ryan; Marc, Angel; Lonnie, Krystal, Brian, Sarah, Hannah; Jerry, Sydney; Sarah, Rachael, and Rebekah; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, George Watterson Jr. and his 3 sisters, Linda, Debbie and Chris. His faithful companion, his dog Duke, was by his side until the very end.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 21st, at the Lindheimer Shelter (Area 16) at Landa Park, with Rev. Lee Romero presiding. Arrangements are by Zoeller Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to Ed’s heart.