WILLIAM E. WATSON

WILLIAM E. WATSON, 92, of Fort Wayne, died on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born June 20, 1920, in Fort Wayne, he was a son of Clifford Watson and Blanche (Fawley) Watson. He graduated from Fort Wayne Central High School in 1937. He went on to honorably serve his country during World War II in the United States Army from 1941 to 1945. Among several other awards, he earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star while serving 530 consecutive days on the front line. He married Marcia Babinger on Feb. 22, 1947, in Vallejo, Calif.; she survives in Fort Wayne. He was a longtime volunteer at Parkview Fitness Center, Fort Wayne; Parkview Hospice, Fort Wayne; and the World War II History Museum in Auburn. He was an active member of Harlan United Methodist Church, Harlan where he had been a member since the early 1950's. He also served as a Stephen Minister. Surviving are his wife, Marcia Watson of Fort Wayne; one son, Michael (Marion) Watson of Auburn; two daughters, Renee Rentfrow of Ansonia, Ohio and Rita (Ron) Zartman of Fort Wayne; five grandsons, Justin Rentfrow, Brandon Rentfrow, Alex Bunner, Jeremy Watson, and Joshua Watson; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. Memorial service is 3 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2013, at Harlan United Methodist Church, 16434 State Road 37 Harlan, Ind., with calling from 1 to 3 p.m. The Rev. Steve Bard and Chaplain Robert Mortenson officiating. Preferred memorials may be made to Parkview Hospice, 1900 Carew St., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Send a condolence to the family at www.northernindianafuneralcare.com or find us on Facebook.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Northern Indiana Funeral Care & Hite Funeral Home.