Charles Leroy Watts

Charles Leroy Watts, 66, of South Bend, IN, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 23, 2018 in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 7, 1952 to the late Eldon and Dorothy (Neice) Watts in South Bend, IN.  Along with his parents; Charles was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Johnson; and a brother, James Watts.

On February 21, 1975, he married Kathleen A. Polak and they raised their family in South Bend.

Charles loved spending time with his family and friends, playing golf, doting on his many pets, working in his garden and tending to his lawn.  There was nothing he could not fix and no limit to his generosity with his many talents.

Charles was a man of few words, preferring to show his affection by doing for others.  A person rarely had to ask for help, if he saw a need he stepped in and did what he could, preferring conversation over a cold Miller Lite to payment or words of thanks.  He was a caretaker at heart and set an amazing example for his family who already miss him dearly.

Charles retired on July 7, 2017 from SMOR Cases, Inc., where he worked as a General Manager for 32 years.

Charles is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen A. Watts of South Bend, IN; two daughters, Jennifer S. (Wayne) Veldman of South Bend, IN; Karmin M. (Jason) Meade of Charleston, SC; one son, Jeremy J. Watts of South Bend, IN; seven grandchildren, Austin (Maggie), Collin, and Madison Veldman; BriAnna Watts; Ellie, Graham, and Lydia Meade; one great grandson, Theo Veldman; two sisters, Dorothy (James) Vanderhegghen and Tina (James) Kruszewski;  and two brothers, Eldon (Darlene) and Willis Watts, all of South Bend, IN.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2018 and also from 11 a.m. – Noon Thursday, September 27, 2018, both at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN,

A Funeral Service will be held at Noon Thursday, September 27, 2018 in Kaniewski Funeral Home, with Rev. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C. officiating.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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