Steven “Steve” Edward Watson, 65, Warsaw, passed away at 6:38 p.m. July 27, 2015, at IU Health Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born Nov. 9, 1949, in Columbus, to World War II veteran Norman Edward and Norma Jean Huston Watson. On June 10, 1978, he married the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Ann Grim, who survives in Warsaw. They happily shared their lives in 37 years of marriage. He was a resident of Kosciusko County for the past 37 years. He was born in Bartholomew County and grew up in North Manchester, where he was a 1968 graduate of North Manchester High School. He then attended Purdue University and received his bachelor’s degree in aviation in 1972. He was a corporate pilot for Zimmer Inc. of Warsaw for 27 years. For 10 years he and his wife owned Speed Rocket Fireworks in Warsaw, which he thoroughly enjoyed running. He was always wanting to help and give back, and he was passionate about finding a cure for Multiple Myeloma and was actively involved in the organization Miles For Myeloma for over 10 years. He was the first one there to help someone who had been diagnosed with myeloma and gave his heartfelt support. He was actively involved in his church, First United Methodist Church of Warsaw, and possessed a strong faith in God. He loved motor sports, especially the Indianapolis 500, which he enjoyed having attended over 50 times. He was liked by anyone who ever met him, he was a positive person and was enthusiastic about life, his friends and family. He had so many friends he enjoyed catching up with that he would spends hours on the phone talking to them. He loved telling stories and jokes, enjoyed nature and the outdoors, but more than anything he loved his family. He always made them his number one priority. He will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful grandfather, or as his grandkids would simply refer to him, “Pops.” He will be missed terribly but his family finds peace knowing that he is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior. Also surviving are: his son, Curtis (and fiancée Christie Starace) Watson, Long Island, N.Y.; a daughter, Nicole (and spouse Andrew) Arrendale, Westfield; two grandchildren, Graham and Kellen; a brother, Bruce (and spouse Paula) Watson, Columbus: three nephews, Brian, Mark and Gabe; and his niece, Josie. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, 179 S. Indiana St., Warsaw, with Pastors Scott and Toni Carmer officiating. A graveside service is in Oakwood cemetery, Warsaw. Calling is from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at the church and one hour prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. ***** Memorials to the IU Simon Cancer Center for Miles for Myeloma. Make checks payable to IU Foundation and mail to IUF, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Indicate “In memory of Steve Watson” on the memo line. You may also make donations online at cancer.iu.edu/giving/m4m Condolences via www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
