Steve B. Watson

Steven “Steve” B. Watson, 63, of Monrovia, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, May 18, 2024, while in the comfort of his home and surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Indianapolis on April 12, 1961 to George Oliver and Ruth L. (Darnell) Watson. The youngest of four children, Steve was raised on the family farm where he learned at an early age the value of hard work and discovered his appreciation for pigs. His fondest memory as a young boy was playing with the Spaniels puppies that his parents bred, but was upset when people came to buy them, although more would be born. He attended Monrovia High School, where he was the President of the Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society, a ten-year member of 4-H, and was a talented athlete playing on the basketball, baseball, and football teams. In his senior year, Steve was an integral part of taking the undefeated football team to the conference play-offs, earning the championship title. After proudly graduating with the class of 1979, Steve enrolled in Franklin College where he also played on the baseball team and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Majoring in journalism, with a minor in sociology, he surprisingly made it through the program in four years (his words, not mine) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1983. While at a frat house rush party, Steve was introduced to his future wife and the mother of his two sons, Dawn Swaim. She pinned him to the wall and the pair made an instant connection. Dating for two years, Steve and Dawn were married at the Monrovia Christian Church on October 1, 1983, and their love affair lasted nearly 43 years. Originally settling on the west side of Indy, they quickly made their way back to Steve’s roots in Monrovia where they built their forever home on West Union Road. Upon graduation, Steve initially took a job for the Southport Gazette for a brief period, then secured employment with the State, first as an adjudicator for 18 years, then was promoted to supervisor in 2001. With a five-year plan in place and set into motion, they brought their first son, Stuart, into the world, and three years later Grant was born. A dedicated and loving father, Steve was continuously there for his two sons, coaching all their youth sports as well as serving as the President of the Youth Basketball League for many years. He proudly passed on his knowledge of pigs to Stu and Grant and even his precious granddaughter, Olivia, and took both boys to the Indiana State Fair where they each received Grand Champion Ribbons in 4-H, which was a major accomplishment! Easy going and always smiling, Steve continually put his family first. When he and Dawn were married, she came first, then the boys came along, and he was fourth. With the birth of his first grandchild, Livvy, he was the fifth. He was strong, sincere, sometimes stubborn and forever selfless. Although it took him a lot to get mad, when he did, you listened! He not only raised two upstanding men, but played a key role in mentoring their friends, who still remember his words of wisdom. Eternally calm, cool, and collected, he was the voice of reason, often saying “now let’s think about this for a minute” just before a bad decision was about to be made. He was a master chef, regularly hosted cookouts, family get togethers, was an avid sports fan and the family and friends regularly congregated to his garage to watch his favorite sports teams, Pacers, Colts, and IU Basketball. Taken from this life, his family, and friends all too soon, Steve fought the good fight for as long as he possibly could, but ultimately lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be forever missed and leaves a void in the hearts and lives of all who were honored to know and love him. Steve wants everyone to know that he had an incredibly happy life. He was proud, fulfilled, and the luckiest guy on the face of the earth. Now, as Steve said “enough about me, grieve a while, but not too long. Now pull up your bootstraps and carry on”. Steve was preceded in death by his father, George Watson; grandparents, Archie Darnell and Elva (Pickett) Darnell, and Flo (Oliver) Watson; and brother-in-law, Pat Wilson. He leaves behind his wife, Dawn Watson of Monrovia; sons, Stuart Watson (Desirae), and Grant Watson (Andrea) both of Monrovia; mother, Ruth Watson of Monrovia; siblings, Ann Pruet (Ron) of Danville, Julia Wayman of Speedway, and Mike Watson of Monrovia; granddaughter, Olivia June Watson of Monrovia; one grandson on the way; and in-laws, Carol Wittenmyer (John) of Crawfordsville, and Scott Swaim (Cynthia) of Wittier, CA: nephews, Nick Pruet (Jana) and Clay Pruet (Amanda), both of Danville; and niece Andrea Wittenmyer of Crawfordsville. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7pm, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1pm, on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the funeral home, with an additional hour of calling prior. Pastor Jim Shields will officiate services and burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by mail to the Monrovia 4-H Supporters, c/o of Jane Crone, 3882 W. Hinshaw Rd, Monrovia, IN 46157, and envelopes will be provided during services. Per Steve’s request and strongly encouraged, no formal attire, please dress casual and comfortable. To upload a picture on his tribute wall, share a favorite story, send the family an online condolence, sign the online guest registry, or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Steve B. Watson

April 12, 1961 - May 18, 2024