Gerald Alan Watson (Jerry) passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was 68. Jerry was born in South Bend, Indiana to Pearl Mae (Kirk) Watson and Richard M. Watson. He grew up in Mt. Vernon, Indiana under the watchful care of grandparents Annabell (Woods) Kirk and Agustus Kirk. Later in life, through DNA testing, Jerry discovered his biological father, Harry Thaw Walker, Jr., and met his biological half-sister.
Jerry graduated from Mt. Vernon Sr. High School in 1975. He played on the high school football team, was a star student in industrial arts and excelled in economics classes. After high school, Jerry worked at General Electric and took classes in computer sciences at Indiana State University Evansville (now University of Southern Indiana). A job at Furrow building materials spotlighted Jerry’s natural gift of estimating and mathematics; he was later encouraged to join the NECA/IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship Program. Jerry graduated as a top Journeyman Electrician, finishing second in his class. He worked as a union electrician at various shops for more than 34 years. He retired from the union and took a job with the City of Evansville, where he worked until his final retirement in June 2022.
Jerry enjoyed all types of music, especially the Blues, Jazz and Bluegrass, bonus points if it was live. He loved sports and was a big St. Louis Cardinals fan, obvious to those who crossed his path. Jerry was a master on the grill, known for his bbq, smoked and grilled meats, apple pies and special chili recipe. He never met a stranger and loved talking to people about anything. Jerry spent his time fixing cars (including his beloved 1992 Dakota truck), walking the family dogs, grooming the lawn – planting fruits, vegetables and recently, an apple tree for his granddaughters to watch and grow with – and never missed a beat to have a good time with his family. Jerry was always especially thoughtful of those he cherished, and his love was never limited to just family.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ella Johnson-Watson; daughter, Jasmine Watson; son, Kyle Watson; granddaughters, Shia Ella Nicole Stewart and Makylah Renee Watson; brothers, Jeffery (LaiKeya), Melvin (Sarah) and Elliott Watson; sister Katherine Walker Graham (Roger), along with a host of his dearly loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brothers Ronnie and Terry Watson, and sister Lynn Watson.
A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date.
Sherrianne Standley says
Dear Ella, I am just now learning that you lost your dear husband. You and your family have my deepest sympathy and my sincere wishes for sweet peace. May your memories be a blessing.
Sherrianne Standley
Thomas J Walker Jr says
Dear Ella, my name is Thomas Jave Walker Jr. I am Harry Thaw Walker’s grandson. It saddens me that I wasn’t able to meet Uncle Jerry. A visit to see y’all was on my bicket list
I live in Texas. I had known we were connected by family blood thru my Walker family Aunts. Specifically my Aunt Paula. In your sorrow please know that I am eternally his and your nephew. His spirit and Soul is in heaven and I’m sure he will be happy to meet Grandpa, my daddy, his brothers and sisters as well. As I’m writing this message I am literally praying for you. Aunt Ella, we’ve never met but just wanted you to know I’ll always love you. May God bless you always! This is my sincere condolence.
Ella says
Thank you, Thomas. Your kind words are appreciated. Jerry was thrilled when he learned of the Walker family. I am glad he met Kat and talked with his aunts Paul, Evelyn and Catherine.
DeLois Freeman says
Sending peace and condolences. May you always have the memories that were granted to you and family.
James Mosley says
Ella, I’m honored to have the privilege of meeting Jerry. He was down to Earth great personality and talker like myself that’s why I felt like I’ve known him all my life (remember EWF Charity concert😀).
Never knew he had all these skills and hobbies. Sincere prayers & condolences to the entire family. May his love and memories sustain you all going forward.🙏🏽✊🏽
Ann Ennis says
Ella,
A beutiful legacy and a great story of his remarkable life. Sorry we never met.
Greg says
Ella, Jazzy & Kyle,
I’ll always remember the good times working with “Hawk” at Furrow and visiting with you all throughout the years.
My sympathy and prayers are with you & your family.
R.I.P. Brother 🙏
Brian Willett says
Have known Jerry for over 30 years, we were IBEW Brothers.
He was a great and funny man, loved working and talking with him, always kept you laughing.
My heart goes out to Ella, Jasmine & Kyle, Jerry will never be forgotton!!!
DeAjah Brodie says
Jerry & Ella,
Thank you for loving me like I was your own at such a young age. Jerry thank you for always showing me how something as simple as a smile could brighten someone’s day and heart as you always did mine.
Ella, Jas & Kyle I’m so sorry for your loss. You now have one of the most beautiful angels in heaven. Love you guys.
Denise Johnson says
Prayers for Strength and Comfort in your loss of Jerry!🙏🏾❤️
May his Beautiful Energy continue to soothe your hearts and make you smile with Precious Memories!👼🏽💜🌹
Jan Byrns says
So sorry to hear, prayers to all the family 🙏 I worked @ furrows where I met Jerry he was a great guy, always had a smile and was always very kind…
Tim Knaebel says
I worked with Jerry as a second year apprentice. He really helped me to relax and made a lasting impression on me. We had so many great conversations about blues and jazz! The guy was hilarious too! He had me laughing so hard at times. RIP my brother.