Fred P. "Derf" Watson, age 76 of DeMotte, Indiana passed away Friday, March 16, 2012. He was born on February 5, 1936 in Gary, Indiana. Fred lettered in 3 sports, basketball, baseball, and football at Gary Tolleston High School. Upon graduation he was drafted by the Milwaukee Braves. He later attended Bradley and Indiana Universities. Fred went on to serve in the U.S. Army from October of 1961 to May of 1964. He was honored in 1998 for a stellar career with Bethlehem Steel. The headlines read, "Reject Rate Soars because Fred was no longer on the job." He was also an avid Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, 3 children, Douglas (Dianne) Watson, Sandra K. (Michael) Sibert, Kimberly (Todd) Finan, 2 sisters, Ursula Carich, Sherry Casey, 1 brother, Russell Casey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Casimira Watson, stepmother, Joyce Watson, his wife of 36 years, Beautiful Carol Ann Watson, brother, Garry Watson, 2 sisters, Ginger Anselmo and Joy Alexoff.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Funeral services are Thursday, March 22, 2012 beginning with 9:30 a.m. prayers at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart and proceeding to St. Bridget Church for a 10 a.m. mass of Christian burial with Rev. Dominic V. Bertino officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation is Wednesday, March 21, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. Call (219) 942-2109 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com