Elmer J Watson

Elmer J. Watson, 100, of Kokomo, passed away on the morning of Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Wellbrooke of Carmel. Elmer was born on March 5, 1925, in Russiaville as the eighth of twelve children to the late Frank and Addie (Malicoat) Watson. Elmer is survived by his daughter, Marcy A. Watson of Zionsville and his brother and sister-in-law, Merle Wayne and Shirley Watson of Kokomo along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia A. Watson (McGuire), his parents, two brothers, eight sisters and several nieces and nephews.

Elmer graduated from Russiaville High School in 1943 and then was drafted in the U.S. Navy where he served in World War II before being honorably discharged in May 1946. He then went to work at Stellite where he met the love of his life, Patricia McGuire. They were married on June 21, 1953. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2023 before Patricia passed away in October that year. In 1963, they welcomed their only child, Marcy Ann.

Elmer joined Russiaville State Bank in 1948 which later became Central Bank and worked at the bank for 42 years serving as Vice President before retiring in 1990. He loved working with his community and as a loan officer enjoyed helping people realize their dreams. He was a part of the rebuild of Russiaville after the Palm Sunday tornadoes in 1965. He continued to serve on the Central Bank Board of Directors until it was sold to First Farmers Bank & Trust in 2009.

Elmer was an avid golfer. He and Pat joined Green Acres Golf Club where he played in the men’s League and they regularly played Friday Night Couples. Elmer and a group of Russiaville buddies took an annual “Fall Classic” golf trip for many years as well as played in a variety of outings around the state. After retiring, Elmer and Pat frequently played in Tipton and later joined Wildcat Creek Golf Club where they played well into their 80’s. Elmer finally got a coveted hole-in-one there at the age of 84 which was witnessed by his brother Wayne.

Elmer was a kind and loving husband, father and friend. He was a member of the Russiaville United Methodist Church as well as 75-year Mason. He was a member of American Legion Post 6 and the Kokomo Elks Club. He served on the School Board for Western School Corporation from 1970-1978 including serving as its President. He also served on the board of directors for Howard Community Hospital Foundation in 1970s and 1980s.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wellbrooke of Carmel for providing Elmer’s care for the last seven months of his life including throwing him an amazing 100th birthday celebration in March. Also, special thanks to neighbors Jake and Brenda Jackson for all their help and support.

Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN. The funeral will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Anne Kumeh officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden, with Military Honors provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. In lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elmer’s name to the Russiaville United Methodist Church or the Community Howard Regional Health Foundation. Messages of condolence can be left at www.stoutandson.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.