Steven “Steve” Edward Watson of Warsaw, passed away at 6:38 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2015, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis at the age of 65.  He will be missed terribly but his family finds peace knowing that he is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior.

He was a corporate pilot for Zimmer Inc. of Warsaw,  for 27 years.  Steve 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.  For 10 years Steve and his wife Becky owned Speed Rocket Fireworks in Warsaw which he thoroughly enjoyed running.

Always wanting to help and give back, he was passionate about finding a cure for Multiple Myeloma and was actively involved in the organization Miles For Myeloma for over ten years.  He was the first one there to help someone who had been diagnosed with myeloma and gave his heartfelt support.

Steve was actively involved in his church, First United Methodist Church of Warsaw and possessed a strong faith in God.  He loved motorsports, 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.   Steve 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, the outdoors, but more than anything he LOVED his family.  Making sure to always make them his number one priority.  Steve will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful grandfather, or as his grandkids would refer to him as simply “Pops”.

He was born on Nov. 9, 1949, in Columbus, to World War II veteran Norman Edward Watson and Norma Jean (Huston) Watson.  On June 10, 1978, he married the love of his life Rebecca “Becky” Ann (Grim) Watson, who survives in Warsaw.  They happily shared their lives in 37 years of marriage.

Also surviving is his son: Curtis (fiancée Christie Starace) Watson, Long Island, N.Y.; daughter: Nicole (Andrew) Arrendale, Westfield; two grandchildren: Graham; and Kellen; brother: Bruce (Paula) Watson, Columbus; three nephews: Brian; Mark; and Gabe; and his niece: Josie. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at First United Methodist Church, Warsaw, and one hour prior to the service, 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 31. His funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the church, officiated by Pastors Scott Carmer and Toni Carmer. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorial gifts may be made to the IU Simon Cancer Center for Miles for Myeloma. Please make checks payable to: IU Foundation and mail to IUF, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis. Indicate “In memory of Steve Watson” on the memo line. You may also make donations online at cancer.iu.edu/giving/m4m.