Eugene
Eugene D. Watson
Gene passed away Monday, December 14, 2015 at his home at Lake Doster.
He was born March 26, 1925 in Riverdale, MI to Ernest and Ethel (Alward) Acker. Gene was preceded in death by his father as a young boy, his mother remarried and he was then adopted by Ira Watson. Gene proudly served his country in the US Navy. On March 30, 1946 in Hickory Corners he married Dorothy Reardon. Together they owned and operated the Dairy Bar in Edmore, MI until1955. They went on to purchase and operate Dot & Gene’s Trailer Court, which they continued to grow until his retirement in 1971. Following his retirement he sold the business to his sons. Gene had also developed two plats, one as Watson Estates on Riverview Drive in Plainwell and the other as Star Estates on 102
nd
Avenue also in Plainwell, where his sons built the homes. Gene and Dot were members of the Arizona Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association and enjoyed attending motor home rallies. In his spare time he liked to go dancing with Dot and golf. Gene was also a member of the First Congregational Church of Otsego, VFW Post #3030 and the Elks Lodge #1711. Gene was a loving husband; his largest accomplishment was raising a family he has always been proud of.
Surviving are his wife of 69 years; children, Douglas (Sharon) Watson, Kenneth (Gail) Watson and Dennis (Liz) Watson; 6 grandchildren, Jason (Gina) Watson, Lori (Wayne) Layman, Rick Watson, Scott (Meagan) Watson, Jessy (Chad) Doxtator and Jenny (Jeff) Doychich; 11 great-grandchildren and his sister, Annie Pryor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Robert, Arlene and Jim.
Friends may visit with Gene’s family from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Congregational Church of Otsego with Pastor Darin Youngs officiating.
Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell with Military Honors by VFW Post #3030.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Gene may be made to the First Congregational Church of Otsego, Reverence Home Health & Hospice of Kalamazoo, Otsego Elks or the Otsego VFW.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Eugene D. Watson
Condolence Messages
Bob & Joyce Bloom
December 15, 2015 at 3:15 pm
To all of Gene’s family, please accept our sincere sympathy.
Reply
Lenny Mueller
December 15, 2015 at 4:40 pm
Aunt Dorothy,Doug &Sharon, Ken & Gail, Denny& Liz,
Please accept my condolences on Uncle Gene passing. I have such fond memories of him and I will keep them. He was the best and will be sadly missed. He was always so happy. That always amazed me.
I know he is in heaven playing cards with grandpa and my dad and uncle Bob at one of the tables, and mom and grandma is yelling at them to come and eat something.
Love and miss you all,
Lenny
Reply
Diane Tuthill
December 15, 2015 at 5:43 pm
Uncle Gene and Aunt Dorothy were always my favorites!!! Uncle Gene always had a spare kiss for all the girls, what a character! My thoughts and prayers go to Aunt Dorothy, Doug, Ken, Denny and famlies.
Reply
Tim and Marcia Quigley
December 15, 2015 at 6:20 pm
This world has lost a wonderful guy! Gene always had a smile on his face and a kiss for the ladies! Please know he is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you! Rest in Peace, dear friend!
Reply
Lynn & Duane Bronkema
December 15, 2015 at 7:20 pm
To Dot, Gail, Ken and family.
So sorry for your lost of Gene. He was a such a kind, gentle , and a very witty, fun man. He will certainly be missed. I wish you all peace and comfort through this very difficult time. Knowing Gene he’ll have a joke as he enters the Pearly Gates of Heaven. May he Rest in Peace. Prayers to all of you. Love Lynn & Duane
Reply
Diane Reardon Tuthill
December 15, 2015 at 8:37 pm
Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Gene were always my favorites. Uncle Gene always had a kiss for the girls, such a character! My thoughts and prayers to Aunt Dorothy, Doug, Ken, Dennis and families.
Reply
Norman and Nancy Starr
December 15, 2015 at 9:14 pm
Our love and prayers for the entire family. He will be missed by many. His friendly smile and kisses for the ladies. May he continue to dance in heaven and watch over all of you. God Bless.
Reply
Bob & Joyce Bloom
December 15, 2015 at 9:22 pm
Our deepest sympathies to all of the Watson family.
Reply
Joyce Sheldon
December 15, 2015 at 11:15 pm
Sorry to hear of Genes passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Reply
Bonnie Reardon Fowler
December 16, 2015 at 8:13 am
Aunt Dorothy…you and Uncle Gene have always held a special place in my heart. I have enjoyed hearing stories of when you, Uncle Gene, Mom and Dad were young couples just starting out. Mom and Dad loved you both and growing up I could see that. I am so sorry for your and your families loss. I believe that Mom and Dad greeted him with a big hello hug!
Reply
Craig and Kathy Nelson
December 16, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Such a loss to the world. Gene was the best and will be missed by so many. A pure a gentleman as you will ever find and a real joy to be around. Earths loss is Heavens gain. Hit ’em straight Gene!
Reply
Sally Thaxton Betzner
December 16, 2015 at 6:56 pm
Dear Watson family, sorry for you loss, prayer sent.
Reply
The Family of Harry & Jane Durr
December 17, 2015 at 10:08 am
Thinking about Dot and the entire Watson family during this time of sorrow! Dot and Gene were great friends of my Grandparents, Harry and Jane Durr. I find comfort that Gene and eventually Dot, will be laid to rest next to my Grandparents in Hillside. I appreciate Dot and Genes friendship with my grandparents, they always shared many good memories of them, they really loved Dot and Gene! Rest in Peace Mr. Watson.
Reply
John Pullen
December 17, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Gene was a wonderful man and I enjoyed the times he and I talked.
One special memory I have was when I was home on leave from the Navy during Vietnam. I was having lunch when Dot and Gene came into the restaurant. Gene and I talked about the war and then they went to sit down for lunch. When I went to pay my bill the lady said Oh Dot and Gene paid for it.
An honor to have know him!
John Pullen
Reply
Dick & Judy Joslin
December 17, 2015 at 1:57 pm
Dorothy, Ken Gail & Watson Family,
Our deepest sympathy is extended to each of you. We will always remember Gene’s wit and smiles. May you find peace in your memories.
God Bless his soul. RIP Gene!
Reply
Paul & Marsha Meade
December 17, 2015 at 6:11 pm
Gene was a very rare man, and he will be greatly missed. Always full of joy and a delight to be with. Even as his health was declining he never, ever let his suffering show. He was the model of strength and kindness, always welcoming a conversation about any topic, and quick to bring laughter and light to anyone who had the pleasure of his company. Our hearts are with Dorothy and the whole family during this time of loss. He will always be remembered as a man we respected and admired a great deal.
Reply
Barbara and Mick Davis
December 18, 2015 at 7:24 am
Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Gene..I will miss Uncle Gene’s smile and always friendly manner..He sure was a good guy..He was a blessing on this earth for many of us..He is now up with mom and dad and his many family and friends who have passed..He is smiling and looking down..He was a part of one of the greatest generation..Brave and strong..He will be sorely missed..Love you both….
Barb and Mick
Reply
Don & Sherry Hurlbut
January 10, 2016 at 9:52 am
Doug & Sharon and the entire Watson family: Don and I just learned of your Dad’s passing. We’re so sorry for your loss and hope your many memories comfort you through this difficult time.
Reply
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He was born March 26, 1925 in Riverdale, MI to Ernest and Ethel (Alward) Acker. Gene was preceded in death by his father as a young boy, his mother remarried and he was then adopted by Ira Watson. Gene proudly served his country in the US Navy. On March 30, 1946 in Hickory Corners he married Dorothy Reardon. Together they owned and operated the Dairy Bar in Edmore, MI until1955. They went on to purchase and operate Dot & Gene’s Trailer Court, which they continued to grow until his retirement in 1971. Following his retirement he sold the business to his sons. Gene had also developed two plats, one as Watson Estates on Riverview Drive in Plainwell and the other as Star Estates on 102
nd
Avenue also in Plainwell, where his sons built the homes. Gene and Dot were members of the Arizona Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association and enjoyed attending motor home rallies. In his spare time he liked to go dancing with Dot and golf. Gene was also a member of the First Congregational Church of Otsego, VFW Post #3030 and the Elks Lodge #1711. Gene was a loving husband; his largest accomplishment was raising a family he has always been proud of.
Surviving are his wife of 69 years; children, Douglas (Sharon) Watson, Kenneth (Gail) Watson and Dennis (Liz) Watson; 6 grandchildren, Jason (Gina) Watson, Lori (Wayne) Layman, Rick Watson, Scott (Meagan) Watson, Jessy (Chad) Doxtator and Jenny (Jeff) Doychich; 11 great-grandchildren and his sister, Annie Pryor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Robert, Arlene and Jim.
Friends may visit with Gene’s family from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Congregational Church of Otsego with Pastor Darin Youngs officiating.
Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell with Military Honors by VFW Post #3030.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Gene may be made to the First Congregational Church of Otsego, Reverence Home Health & Hospice of Kalamazoo, Otsego Elks or the Otsego VFW.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Eugene D. Watson
Condolence Messages
Bob & Joyce Bloom
December 15, 2015 at 3:15 pm
To all of Gene’s family, please accept our sincere sympathy.
Reply
Lenny Mueller
December 15, 2015 at 4:40 pm
Aunt Dorothy,Doug &Sharon, Ken & Gail, Denny& Liz,
Please accept my condolences on Uncle Gene passing. I have such fond memories of him and I will keep them. He was the best and will be sadly missed. He was always so happy. That always amazed me.
I know he is in heaven playing cards with grandpa and my dad and uncle Bob at one of the tables, and mom and grandma is yelling at them to come and eat something.
Love and miss you all,
Lenny
Reply
Diane Tuthill
December 15, 2015 at 5:43 pm
Uncle Gene and Aunt Dorothy were always my favorites!!! Uncle Gene always had a spare kiss for all the girls, what a character! My thoughts and prayers go to Aunt Dorothy, Doug, Ken, Denny and famlies.
Reply
Tim and Marcia Quigley
December 15, 2015 at 6:20 pm
This world has lost a wonderful guy! Gene always had a smile on his face and a kiss for the ladies! Please know he is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you! Rest in Peace, dear friend!
Reply
Lynn & Duane Bronkema
December 15, 2015 at 7:20 pm
To Dot, Gail, Ken and family.
So sorry for your lost of Gene. He was a such a kind, gentle , and a very witty, fun man. He will certainly be missed. I wish you all peace and comfort through this very difficult time. Knowing Gene he’ll have a joke as he enters the Pearly Gates of Heaven. May he Rest in Peace. Prayers to all of you. Love Lynn & Duane
Reply
Diane Reardon Tuthill
December 15, 2015 at 8:37 pm
Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Gene were always my favorites. Uncle Gene always had a kiss for the girls, such a character! My thoughts and prayers to Aunt Dorothy, Doug, Ken, Dennis and families.
Reply
Norman and Nancy Starr
December 15, 2015 at 9:14 pm
Our love and prayers for the entire family. He will be missed by many. His friendly smile and kisses for the ladies. May he continue to dance in heaven and watch over all of you. God Bless.
Reply
Bob & Joyce Bloom
December 15, 2015 at 9:22 pm
Our deepest sympathies to all of the Watson family.
Reply
Joyce Sheldon
December 15, 2015 at 11:15 pm
Sorry to hear of Genes passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Reply
Bonnie Reardon Fowler
December 16, 2015 at 8:13 am
Aunt Dorothy…you and Uncle Gene have always held a special place in my heart. I have enjoyed hearing stories of when you, Uncle Gene, Mom and Dad were young couples just starting out. Mom and Dad loved you both and growing up I could see that. I am so sorry for your and your families loss. I believe that Mom and Dad greeted him with a big hello hug!
Reply
Craig and Kathy Nelson
December 16, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Such a loss to the world. Gene was the best and will be missed by so many. A pure a gentleman as you will ever find and a real joy to be around. Earths loss is Heavens gain. Hit ’em straight Gene!
Reply
Sally Thaxton Betzner
December 16, 2015 at 6:56 pm
Dear Watson family, sorry for you loss, prayer sent.
Reply
The Family of Harry & Jane Durr
December 17, 2015 at 10:08 am
Thinking about Dot and the entire Watson family during this time of sorrow! Dot and Gene were great friends of my Grandparents, Harry and Jane Durr. I find comfort that Gene and eventually Dot, will be laid to rest next to my Grandparents in Hillside. I appreciate Dot and Genes friendship with my grandparents, they always shared many good memories of them, they really loved Dot and Gene! Rest in Peace Mr. Watson.
Reply
John Pullen
December 17, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Gene was a wonderful man and I enjoyed the times he and I talked.
One special memory I have was when I was home on leave from the Navy during Vietnam. I was having lunch when Dot and Gene came into the restaurant. Gene and I talked about the war and then they went to sit down for lunch. When I went to pay my bill the lady said Oh Dot and Gene paid for it.
An honor to have know him!
John Pullen
Reply
Dick & Judy Joslin
December 17, 2015 at 1:57 pm
Dorothy, Ken Gail & Watson Family,
Our deepest sympathy is extended to each of you. We will always remember Gene’s wit and smiles. May you find peace in your memories.
God Bless his soul. RIP Gene!
Reply
Paul & Marsha Meade
December 17, 2015 at 6:11 pm
Gene was a very rare man, and he will be greatly missed. Always full of joy and a delight to be with. Even as his health was declining he never, ever let his suffering show. He was the model of strength and kindness, always welcoming a conversation about any topic, and quick to bring laughter and light to anyone who had the pleasure of his company. Our hearts are with Dorothy and the whole family during this time of loss. He will always be remembered as a man we respected and admired a great deal.
Reply
Barbara and Mick Davis
December 18, 2015 at 7:24 am
Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Gene..I will miss Uncle Gene’s smile and always friendly manner..He sure was a good guy..He was a blessing on this earth for many of us..He is now up with mom and dad and his many family and friends who have passed..He is smiling and looking down..He was a part of one of the greatest generation..Brave and strong..He will be sorely missed..Love you both….
Barb and Mick
Reply
Don & Sherry Hurlbut
January 10, 2016 at 9:52 am
Doug & Sharon and the entire Watson family: Don and I just learned of your Dad’s passing. We’re so sorry for your loss and hope your many memories comfort you through this difficult time.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
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