Larry W. Watson

Larry W. Watson, 71, of Cassopolis, peacefully passed away in his home after a short battle with cancer, with his loving wife by his side, on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel & Cremation Services.  Larry was born on December 26, 1946, in Dowagiac, the son of Loyd Richard Watson and Fern Irene (Tague) Watson. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in June 1965. Then went on to graduate from Southwestern Michigan College and transferred to Eastern Michigan University where he obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. While attending college, he was fortunate enough to get to go water skiing with his classmate, Earlene Bell, for six glorious summers and to make friends with the kids at Driftwood, which he always had fond memories.  Having graduated from Eastern, Larry decided to get away from the winters in Michigan. He started teaching tennis in places like Santa Cruz & Santa Rosa, CA and Ft. Lauderdale, Del Ray Beach, Lake Worth, Pompano Beach, Key West and Palm Beach FL. He enjoyed teaching tennis more than teaching in a classroom.  After doing that over a dozen years, Larry moved back to Dowagiac and bought into BR Pallets & Crates as a Vice President and partner. The reason he stayed in Michigan after this is because, his tennis partner, Steve Darr, talked him into asking Sue Lott out at the library. After meeting her, the rest was history and Larry wasn’t leaving Michigan ever again; he finally decided he could tolerate winter for a change.  On May 17, 1985, he married Susan Lott of Dowagiac. They have been married for over 33 years and live on Kelsey Lake where Larry got to fish every day. He had many hobbies, one was teaching his wife, Susan, how to play tennis. They won many singles and doubles tennis tournaments together and against each other. He also loved to deer hunt in Bruce Crossing with his father for over three decades. When his father passed away, Susan would take his place and she has been hunting with him for nearly 20 years. His other hobby was his most profitable; buying and selling classic corvettes, muscle cars and street rods. People used to see them driving through town with the top down and smiles on their faces. They also enjoyed to play the stock market on snowy days sitting by the fireplace. Larry was fortunate enough to retire early and got to spend a lot of time doing his hobbies and spending time with his wife in Florida for the winter. Larry would like to say goodbye to all his friends from high school, car buddies, tennis buddies, and the gang at Sister Lakes. He was fortunate to meet these great people.  Larry went out with a smile on his face, laughing because nobody should have so much fun in their lifetime, and no one deserves that much happiness. It also didn’t hurt to be married to Susan for over 33 perfect years. She was his soul mate, no doubt about it.  The family would like to thank the doctor and nurses with Reverence Hospice of Kalamazoo for the wonderful care of Larry, which allowed him to stay at home.  In keeping with Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be a memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwestern Michigan College Foundation – Ruth Ann Scholarship Fund for Nursing Students, Dowagiac District Library, or Reverence Hospice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.clarkch.com.