INDIANAPOLIS
Joseph , Joe, Matthew Watson died on July 8, 2024. Joe was born on December 10, 1975 in Beach Grove, Indiana and was adopted by William K. and Judith R. Watson. The family lived for the first ten years of Joe’s life in Petersburg, Indiana. In 1986 the family moved to Bargersville, Indiana where Joe’s parents still live.
Joe has a brother, William, “Will”, K. Watson and a sister Samantha Jung Watson Sweet. Samantha married Stephen Sweet and they have two wonderful children, Jackson Parker Sweet and Lillian Ann Sweet.
Joe graduated from Center Grove High School in 1994 and earned a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University.
Joe played the trombone in the Center Grove band, sang in Center Grove Sound System, and sang in the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.
Joe and Curtis Turner met in May, 2005 while working together in the hospitality industry at a local hotel. After dating for several years Joe moved to Indianapolis and resided at the historic Joseph J. Mills house in the Old North Side neighborhood of downtown Indianapolis with his partner Curtis Turner. Joe and Curt were married on June 12, 2020 at a local restaurant where they also had their first date 20 years ago. They were married by Dr/Reverend Chrystal Walker.
Joe’s career as Sales Manager primarily focused on downtown hotels where he enjoyed meeting people in the hotel and travel industry where he made many long lasting friendships. Joe especially enjoyed working at the Sheraton hotel Indianapolis City Center on monument circle, a Remington Hotel property. During his time with Remington he accomplished many awards including the Pinnacle Award and enjoyed a stay in New Orleans with other recipients. During his time with Remington he was promoted to a regional sales manager and he traveled extensively to assist other hotel properties and sales teams.
When not working Joe enjoyed boating and making new friends at Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana. Joe also enjoyed traveling domestically to Florida, Maine, California, Alaska and Hawaii. Internationally to such places as Aruba, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin Samana Dominican Republic, Puerto Vallarta Mexico and Tulum Mexico.
In addition to his career and love of travel Joe was especially fond of his six year old female Weimaraner, MIA Lin Watson, named after the musical Mama Mia. MIA Lin was joy of Joe’s life and they were inseparable.
Joe’s humor, fashion sense, long lasting friendships, love of the culinary arts and love of MIA Lin formed the Joe we love. Joe brightened any room he entered and or welcomed any person he met. This is Joe’s lasting legacy.
Joe is survived by his husband Curtis Turner.
Joe Watson’s final resting spot will be at Mount Zion Cemetery located near Bowling Green, Indiana.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, July24 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Indiana Funeral Care, 2433 E. Main St., Greenwood, IN 46143.
Light snacks/finger foods will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s honor to Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue, P.O. Box 372, Grand Haven, MI 49417 https://gofund.me/4f80310
