Donald Lawrence "Larry" Watters

Donald Lawrence "Larry" Watters, 56, of Midland, died unexpectedly Thursday evening, Aug. 18, 2011, at MidMichigan Medical Center. He was born Nov. 5, 1954 in Toledo, Ohio, son of Elaine (Wearstler) Watters of Midland and the late Donald Curtis Watters. Larry was a 1973 graduate of Midland High School and received his BBA degree from the University of Michigan in 1978. He was employed as a controller and accounting manager for several marketing firms in the Detroit, Southfield and Ann Arbor areas from 1980 until his retirement in 1998. Larry was a yoga instructor at various health clubs and gyms in Midland and the greater Detroit area, and also was a folk singer at nursing homes in Midland and Detroit. He moved to China in 2008 and returned to Midland in December of 2010. On Jan. 6, 2009, he married Xiu Xiang He "Suzanne" in China. She survives him. He enjoyed golf, playing his guitar, walks with his wife "Suzanne," music festivals and cats.

Surviving besides his wife, Xiu Xiang He; and his mother, Elaine, is his stepson, Xinghua Liang and his stepdaughter, Hua Liang, both of China; his stepmother, Jean Watters of Vero Beach, Fla.; one brother, William Watters and his partner Kelly Kubesh, both of Midland; two sisters and their spouses, Janet and Tom Grzegorczyk of Eustis, Fla., and Barbara and Bill Reeves of Midland; and many nieces and nephews.

Private family graveside services will take place later in the Midland Cemetery. Larry's family will receive friends at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., in Midland, on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Watters family.