Michael Gordon “Mike” Watson, 85

Michael “Mike” Gordon Watson, 85, of Avon, Indiana passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Mike was born on April 2,1939 in Fort Branch, Indiana to Lelah B. Mathers and adoptive father William G. Watson, Jr.  He graduated from Springs Valley High School in French Lick, Indiana in 1958. He was senior class president and a proud member of the 1958 boys’ basketball team. That team put the small Indiana town on the high school sports map as runner’s up in the state basketball championship. After graduation, Mike became a United States Marine.  He proudly served his country stationed at the Naval Ordinance Test Station in China Lake, California. While there he was a military police officer assigned to guard the Sidewinder missile. He married Brenda Dotson on July 16, 1960, in French Lick. The two lived in California until Mike was honorably discharged from the United States Marines. He and Brenda returned to French Lick where Mike began his lifelong career with Public Service Indiana/Duke Energy. He was a meter reader earning promotions that took him to Connersville as well as Greensburg.  He eventually became vice-president of the meter division based in Plainfield until his retirement. When Mike wasn’t working, he attended and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Greensburg. He was an auto racing enthusiast. His favorite races were the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400. He also enjoyed golfing at the French Lick Springs Resort. However, his favorite activity was the annual trip to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It was there he treasured time with his parents, wife, and children. Fishing, swimming, and riding waves in the Gulf of Mexico were family favorites! Mike is survived by his wife, Brenda Colleen Watson, Avon, Indiana. His son Richard “Rick” (Melissa) Watson, Sevierville, Tennessee. His grandson, Michael Robert (Christina) Watson, Dubois, Indiana. Four great grandchildren, Ava, Alexis, Jace and Lillie, Dubois, Indiana. His brother Harold “Todd” (Jenny) Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael Gordan Watson, Jr. in 2014. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church in French Lick with Father Randy Summers officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery also in French Lick with military graveside rites.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Bass and Gasper Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling funeral arrangements and donations to these organizations. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com