Robert Lee Watson, 83, of North Manchester, Ind., passed away at 7:43 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, where he had been a resident since June.

He was born Dec. 30, 1930, in Wells County, Ind., a son of William Henry and Constance (Moore) Watson. He spent his formative years in Etna-Troy Township, Whitley County, Ind., and attended Larwill High School. He served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War and fought in the Battle of Pusan. Following his honorable discharge, he returned the area and was united in marriage to Wilma Carroll Holycross on Sept. 17, 1951.

In 1958 Robert and Carroll moved to their farm in Etna-Troy Township. A full-time farmer, raising grain and running a dairy cow operation, he also worked as a truck driver for the former Weatherhead, Columbia City,  Ind.,; Sears, Warsaw, Ind.; and LML, Columbia City. He was an accomplished mechanic and when not running his farming operation, loved to fish and hunt.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years; a son: Michael (Esther) Watson, Columbia City; a grandson: Zachary; and two sisters: Silva Swoverland, Elkhart, Ind.; and Olive Boggs, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by two granddaughters: Jennifer and Cara Watson; six brothers: Ronald, Howard, James, Norman, Ellis and Robert Watson; and four sisters: Nora Bradley, Mary Pool, Evelyn More and Connie Watson.

There will be no services. Arrangements are entrusted to Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.