Richard Watson

Richard E. Watson

January 9, 1952-June 28, 2025

Richard E. Watson, 73, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Saturday June 28, 2025 in Michigan.

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved friend and phenomenal musician, Richard Watson.

Richard was a wonderful human, musician, and teacher! Richard was the principal tuba and has been performing with the LCSO for 31 years.

He also had been an adjunct professor at Valparaiso University for over 30 years. Richard received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, and his graduate degree from Northwestern. His marvelous musicianship had afforded him many opportunities in life, some of these include being a member of the Honolulu, Utah, and Houston Symphonies.

Richard's other passion in life was motorcycling.

He had been riding for over 40 years and had even toured Ireland, Scotland, England, and Continental Europe on his own motorcycle. He also passed that love of motorcycles on through being an instructor at ABATE Motorcycle Safety for over 30 years. He has won 3 awards: Indiana Instructor of the Year (twice), and the Rodney V. Taylor Award for excellence in promoting motorcycle safety.

Richard wasn't just a teacher/musician, he was a kind soul that helped anyone he could. He is loved by many and will be greatly missed. Memorials concerts will be announced as soon as they are available.

Please feel free to share your fond memories of Richard. Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents John Warren Watson and mother Romaine Devon Watson; brother John Allan Watson. He is survived by his brother Brant Watson who resides in Miami, FL and is the Professor Emeritus of Neurology at The University of Miami in Miami, FL.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN where the family will receive friends Saturday, July 12 from 2 pm until service time at 4 pm. A life celebration will be held at 4 pm Saturday, July 12 pm. Interment of Richard's cremated remains will take place Monday, July 14 at 10 am.

Memorial contributions may be made to Abate Motorcycle Safety 51 N. Baldwin Street Bargersville, IN 46106.