In a plot twist reminiscent of the books he always loved, Stephen “Steve” Earl Watson shuffled off his mortal coil suddenly and unexpectedly on May 3, 2022 at the age of 74.
Steve was a prolific reader and was always found with a book (and later, his Kindle) in his hand. Steve was born in Pendleton on Jan. 22, 1948 and raised in Hermiston, where he and Jane married and eventually returned to spend the remainder of their lives together. After graduating in Hermiston High School’s class of ’66, Steve had opportunities to travel the world servicing irrigation equipment internationally and then later domestically. In his 40s, the opportunity came to be self-employed in the construction industry, which offered Steve and Jane the chance to travel and live in Arizona, Nevada, and California after raising their children in Eugene. The two spent time living outside of Yosemite National Park, which was time which they treasured.
Steve loved the outdoors, and after retirement rediscovered a love of hunting, which he remembered fondly from childhood excursions with his father and grandfather.
We wish we didn’t have to say goodbye, but in the wise words of The Rolling Stones (which were often repeated by this great man), “You can’t always get what you want.” Steve leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Jane; children, Chelsea (Justin) Budd, Vaughn Watson and Brian Roberts; grandchildren, Holly Roberts, Noah and Kyla Watson and Caleb Budd; and siblings, Pat (Dick) Brandl, Gary (Ginger) Watson, and Mark (Tammy) Watson, all of whom he loved very much.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Scotty and Ella Mae Watson, as well as too many family and friends.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Steve with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
