Richard Dean “Dick” Watson, age 79, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 5, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.
Dick was born on January 30, 1942, in Centerville, Indiana, to Willie Paul and Martha Jean Rose Watson. He graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1961. Following graduation, Dick proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years. He became an engineer and tool and die maker. However, growing up on a farm, Dick had a passion for horses and horse-drawn equipment. He raised registered quarter horses and operated Watson’s Buggy Shop, where he built and refurbished wooden wagons, wheels, carriages, and horse-drawn equipment. Dick refurbished the carriage currently on display at the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Fountain City, Indiana. He was a devoted father and family man.
Survivors include his wife, Dianna; daughters, Amanda (Brad) Jones of Richmond and Terren (Michael) Ouellette of Maine; son, Ronald L. Watson of Kentucky; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Thurston of Richmond; brother, Jerry (Peggy) Watson of Wabash; sister-in-law, Florence Watson of Richmond; and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Dean “Ricky” Jr.; brother, James Riley Watson; niece, Sandra Kay Watson; and brother-in-law, Ivan Thurston.
Public visitation for Richard Dean “Dick” Watson will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Mills Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Centerville. Funeral service for the family will follow at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Mills Funeral Home. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery with military honors provided by the Wayne County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.