David Watson

David Derby Watson, 82, of Lafayette, died July 25, 2013 at St. Anthony Healthcare. He was born July 26, 1930 in Chicago, IL to the late Henrietta and Matthew Watson. He spent his childhood in Chicago graduating from Tilden Tech HS in 1948. He then attended Bradley University where he ran Track, was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and graduated with a BS in Chemistry in 1952. David served in the army from 1952-1954 at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL where he helped in the development of fuel for the Space Program. He often said this was one of the happiest times in his life.
David began his career in Chicago with the Quaker Oats Co. Chemical Division in 1954. There he met Connie Kleeber and they married on April 6, 1957. He continued his work for Quaker Oats in Barrington, IL, where he and Connie raised their family, and also spent many happy years at the company's headquarters in the Chicago Merchandise Mart. In 1988 he relocated to Great Lakes Chemical Corp. in West Lafayette and retired in 1995.
In addition to spending time with his family, David enjoyed golfing, fishing, woodworking, and could often be seen with a crossword puzzle in his hands. He was an avid fan of Chicago sports teams especially the White Sox, Bears, and Bulls. David was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Lafayette and a former member of the Elks Country Club.
Surviving along with his wife Connie are his two daughters Pam Streder (husband Greg) of Carrollton, TX and Laurie Watson (husband Harold Clapp) of St. Paul, MN; his beloved five grandchildren Sarah, Katy, and Laurie Streder, Lucas and Abbie Clapp; two sisters Mildred Julian and Irene Nelson of Darien, IL; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joyce and Robert Breen of Hartford, WI; and several nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his sisters, Agnes Ek and Barbara Watson; and brothers-in-law Raymond Ek, William Nelson, and John Julian.
The family thanks the pastoral staff and friends at Trinity UMC for their support. A special thanks also to the Nurses, CNAs and entire staff at Guardian Angel Hospice and St. Anthony Healthcare for the loving care David received. A memorial service will be held at Trinity UMC Saturday August 17 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity UMC, Guardian Angel Hospice, Alzheimer's Association- Greater Indiana Chapter, or the American Heart Association. Hahn-Groeber Funeral & Cremation Services is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com