He was born on September 4, 1958 in Shelbyville, IN to Clara Woodard and Philip Watts. He graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 1976. He received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Hanover College in 1980.

Bret worked in the office furniture industry for over thirty years. His background included working for two office furniture dealerships as Vice President of Sales, Territory Manager for The Hon Company and Account Development Manager for Herman Miller. During his last 12 years, he was responsible for all business in the Indiana market for Rytel Holland Contract. His expertise was working with End-users, Dealerships and the Architectural and Design Community. He was President of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, a member of International Interior Design Association, Indianapolis Museum of Art, and Maple Creek Country Club. Bret's passion for baseball led to a pitching role for Hanover College and a try out for the Cincinnati Reds. Bret was an avid golfer and an enthusiastic Colts fan. Bret had a wonderful sense of humor, and an inclusive manner that allowed everyone he met to immediately be at ease. There was nothing more important to him than family. His life as a son, brother, uncle and friend was a blessing from God. He will be greatly missed.

Bret was predeceased by his stepfather, Harold Woodard; is survived by his parents, Clara Woodard and Philip Watts; his sister, Claire (Jeff) Watts-McKahan of Philadelphia, PA; his brother, Bruce (Mary Ellen) Watts of Indianapolis; his niece, Lauren and nephew, Jacob.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday May 8, 2014 in Flanner and Buchanan - Broad Ripple . The funeral will be private. Burial will take place in Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bret's name to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Squamous Cell Carcinoma research.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting: http://www.flannerbuchanan.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on May 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Bret Watts

12 Entries

Tracey THomas CLOYD

November 9, 2022

To Bret and the entire family:
I know you are are heaven shining! This horrible cancer has to get rid of sometime my sweet Bret.
Please know that Bret was one of the first gentlemen at HAN0VER COLLEGE to speak and tell me all the rules of campus. I never forgot his helpfulness. He told me to look every person in the eye and speak to them. He said smile and tell them GOOD MORNING or GOOD AFTERNOON. EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT!

Soon I knew everyone on the campus' name. BRET told me not to put off my homework. As soon as came back from class do my work asap. I did this. I graduated with a 3.96. He was so wise. We took many walks and had good talks. I am honored that BRET was my true friend. I have passed his advise to literally thousands and thousands and thousands of future college students. I can only hope that half of them followed our suggestion.

To the family , my deepest sympathies.
Tracey Thomas-Cloyd Charlestown,Indiana

Vic Souma

October 31, 2022

Hello Bret! Rest In Peace . Sincerely, Vic Souma

Vic Souma

October 31, 2022

Rest In Peace Bret!

Rebecca Brazzell

May 20, 2014

I only heard two days ago of your passing (5/18/14). Still in shock, I'm thankful to have known you as a person and a free spirit. Your smile was contagious and your memories everlasting.

Marita Morris-Oilar

May 8, 2014

My sincere sympathy to the family, especially to Claire. I have many happy, fun, crazy memories of Bret from my Hanover College days, especially of great times at the Lambda Chi house. He was just a wonderful guy and I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

The Ale Emporium Staff

May 7, 2014

Bret will be sorely missed. May he find peace and happiness with God.

Kevin Keefe

May 7, 2014

Bret was the first person my mother and I met when I walked on the Hanover College campus as a freshman in the fall of 1978. I remember vividly standing at the counter at the HUB getting something to eat and he approached us and you know now he would! Warm and welcoming! So sorry to hear of his passing! Jill and I send our condolences to his entire family.

Jon Killion

May 7, 2014

My Friday Nights (as well as other times) will never be the same. I will miss my friend and his laughter greatly. Too bad I didn't know him earlier in life so as to have more time and fun with him. To his family, his love, and tons of other friends my condolences.

Nancy Kurtz

May 7, 2014

I am so glad that I knew Bret! I am so saddened to hear about his passing.Prayers to his family and friends.

Kent von Burg

May 7, 2014

To my friend Bret,
It's been my pleasure knowing you and having you in my life..
Be at peace brother.
With sad heart, Kent von Burg

Chris Underwood

May 7, 2014

"So unreal hearing of such a great person & friend passing so young.Our condolences to all the family & friends. Hands down, gotta admit to some of the best laughs and funny times out on the town in the day were with ya my friend. Bret you were one of kind that God has called home from us all way to soon. PEACE & until....."Whoa my Nellie" in memory of your best Keith Jackson voice.

Deanna Davis

May 7, 2014

Bret made a tremendous impact in this world. He definitely left a permanent mark and I am grateful to have met him 30 years ago and so happy to have had him back around especially these last 2 years of his life. What a phenomenal man. My love and prayers go out to the family and special friends.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results