Charles Raymond Watson

Charles Raymond Watson, 81 of Valparaiso, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was born January 4, 1945 in Franklin, Indiana the son of Homer Garland and Dorothy (Redford) Orange. Charles was a 1963 River Forest High graduate and a US Army Veteran. He was a licensed plumber, retiring in 2007. Charles was a 55 year member of the Plumbers Union Local #210 in Hobart, Hobart ELKS for many years and an avid Blood Donor to help others. He was an avid fisherman and jerky, syrup and sausage maker. On February 1, 1969 he married Judith Klimczak, who survives in Valparaiso. Also surviving are his children, William C. (Bridget) Watson of Libertyville, IL., Lisa Watson of Indianapolis, IN. and Cindy (Dave Silbernagel) of Stoughton, WI, grandchildren, Colin, Charlie, Tom, Ogden and Baxter, exchange student son Alexander Stoessel and exchange students granddaughters Jessie and Albine. Other survivors are his siblings Mary Kay Bowers of Chesterton, Michael (Janis, dec.) Orange of Lowell and Donna (Terry) Shanks of Lake Station, stepmother Donna K. Orange and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Garland Dean Orange. Visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, 9-11 am at Bartholomew Funeral Home, with Funeral Services at 11:00 am, Rev. Kevin McCarthy officiating. Memorial, Donations may be made to V.N.A. Hospice or St. Jude Children's Hospital.