Leo Gene Watson, MD

Leo Gene Watson, MD, age 86, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family.

Leo shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with his childhood sweetheart and best friend, Emily Ruth Joy Watson. A man of deep Christian conviction, Leo lived his life guided by his faith and was a proud, longtime member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed hosting his Bible study group at the lake for several summers.

Born and raised in Greenville, Illinois, Leo graduated from Greenville High School in 1957 and from Greenville College in 1960 with degrees in Chemistry and Pre-Medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1964 and went on to complete an internship and residency in the surgical specialty of ophthalmology.

Following his training, Leo served as an officer in the United States Navy, working at the Navy Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. During his two years of service, he cared for servicemembers injured during the Vietnam War and received a special commendation from his commanding officer for his work.

In 1970, he founded Eye Physicians Inc. in Kokomo, Indiana. Leo practiced medicine until 2005 and was widely known for his thoughtful, personal approach to patient care. One of his most meaningful traditions was calling every surgical patient on the weekend following their procedure—simply to check in and see how they were doing.

Despite his dedication to medicine, Leo always made time for what mattered most—his family. Throughout his career, Wednesday afternoons were reserved for Emily, often spent shopping or seeing a movie, followed by a beloved date-night dinner. The two also enjoyed traveling together, especially to their favorite destination, Caneel Bay in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Summers were spent at Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana, where Leo cherished time with his grandchildren. He delighted in being “Grandpa” and lived by one of his favorite rules: “Kids are king!”

Leo is survived by his beloved wife, Emily Ruth Joy Watson; three children and their families: Leo “Skip” Watson Jr. (Mary Watson) and their children Leo III, Bobby, and Tony; Peter Frank Watson (Christi Watson) and their children Charlie, Annie, and Katie; and Susan Joy Watson Wilson (Doug Wilson) and their children Sarah Wilson Singer (Graham Singer), Emily Wilson, and Thomas Wilson. He was especially proud to welcome his first great-grandchild, Amelia Singer.

A private family service will be held at a later date in Culver, Indiana.

Contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (8445 Keystone Crossing #135, Indianapolis, IN 46240) or the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Kokomo.

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