Wilbur "Earl" Watson

Earl Watson, age 90, passed away peacefully December 31 2022, at home, surrounded by family. Earl was born August 12, 1932 to Welman and Dorothy (Knotts) Watson. He grew up in rural Delaware County and graduated from Harrison Township School in 1950. Earl received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Ball State University in 1959, followed by his Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University in 1966. He also served 2 years in the U.S. Army.
Earl spent the first few years of his teaching career at Jackson Central High School in Arcadia, IN. In 1963, he came to Elwood to teach industrial arts. From there Earl went on to develop and teach the Building Trades program at the Mid Central Area Vocational School, where he also served as the Assistant Director and a Vocational Guidance Counselor. Eventually becoming the Director of the Vocational School before retiring from John H Hinds Area Vocational School in 1993. Earl had a passion for teaching others, and never stopped, even after his 34-year career in education.
He was a devoted member of East Main Street Christian Church for 60 years, serving on various committees and boards, most noted for decades of service as a Church Trustee. He continued his service performing many repairs and projects for the church even after he was named Trustee Emeritus.
Earl was very active in the community serving on the Elwood Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity Board, Elwood Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Board of Directors, Building Trades Advisory Board, Lions Club, Elwood Classroom Teacher Association, and Community Service Club. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Hoosier award from Governor Evan Bayh in 1994 and was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Elwood City Council in 2006. He also had the honor of being the Marshall for the Elwood 4th of July Parade in 1988.
He and his wife, Gretchen, volunteered for over 50 years at the Barbee Christian Camp performing numerous repairs and building projects. After retiring, they volunteered for 3 years with Vision Builders, constructing new churches in Florida and Ohio.
Earl loved spending time with his family, friends, and co-workers. He had a passion for working with his hands, learning, helping others, camping, boating, and gardening. Earl and Gretchen also had a passion for traveling, visiting 47 out of 50 United States as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, England, Guatemala, Israel, Mexico, and Panama.
Earl leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years Gretchen (Stephenson) Watson; two daughters, Susan (Greg) Smith of Yorktown, IN, and Trish Carmer of Elwood, IN; two sons, Larry Watson of Elwood, IN, and Don Watson of Indianapolis, IN; and three grandchildren Shelly Smith of San Diego, CA, Mark Smith of Yorktown, IN and Aaron (Brandie) Carmer of Elwood, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Anna Ruth Young.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 S. Anderson St. Elwood, IN 46036.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at East Main Street Christian Church, 1801 Main Street, Elwood, IN 46036, visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.
Memorial contributions are suggested to East Main Street Christian Church.
Online condolences can be given at www.dunnichayfuneralhome.com