Bernard Watson

Indianapolis - Bernard Austin Aaron Watson, age 85, entered eternal life on Thursday, January 28, 2021, surrounded by his family at home.

Bernie was born on November 6, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Benjamin Franklin Watson and Rose Lola Hammert Watson. Bernie was also preceded in death by his sister Margaret Lambert and his brothers Robert and Joseph Watson.

Bernie graduated from Cathedral High School in 1953, attended Indiana Central University, and served his country honorably in the Army. He worked in agriculture at Cory Orchard Supply, in landscaping at Eagle Creek Nursery, and as a realtor. In retirement, he volunteered as a judge.

Most important to Bernie was his wife Mary Catherine Wetzel Watson, who died in 2011 after 45 years of marriage, his son Thomas (Andrew), and his daughter Carol Diane. He gave them limitless love.

A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Bernie exemplified civic virtue. He loved the city, the neighborhoods he lived in, and its diversity. He was a proud Democrat and cared deeply about justice and fairness. He was principled, candid, authentic, and openminded, changing and growing with the times.

Bernie was passionate about people, enjoying conversations and joking with family, close friends, acquaintances, or strangers. He befriended everyone he met, and he usually knew someone everywhere he went. He loved playing softball and basketball and going to Cathedral football games. Bernie loved boating at Prince’s East Lake, coffee and donuts at St. Barnabas Catholic Church where he was a charter member, and a beer at the Knights of Columbus 3660 Council where he was a lifelong member. And he loved travel, taking trips to Europe, China and almost all 50 of the United States.

Bernie’s family would like to thank his nieces Patty Freund and Donna Smith and the caregivers who took care of him with compassion and love.

Visitation is Sunday, January 31, 2021, 3 to 5 p.m., at the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East St., Indianapolis, where morning prayers will be said at 10 a.m., Monday, February 1, 2021. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m., in St. Barnabas Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. The Mass will be live streamed by visiting www.vimeo.com/stbindy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to advance cancer research at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Attn: Melissa Brody, 8-950 Factor Bldg, Box 951780, Los Angeles, CA 90095; (310) 206-0675; www.cancer.ucla.edu/donate. Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Bernard Watson.