Gregory “Greg” Alan Watterson, known affectionately to many as “Papa” or “Big Red”, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026. He was 74.
Born April 21, 1952 in Mansfield, Ohio to Richard L. Watterson and Betty Lou (Woodruff) Mason, he spent most of his childhood in Lexington before moving west and graduating from Burbank High School. He earned his HVAC license and spent the majority of his career at Standard Plumbing & Heating until his retirement.
Greg married the love of his life, Marybeth Eash, February 3, 1973 sharing 53 wonderful years of love, laughter, and memories building a life together.
Greg was a faithful follower of Jesus who demonstrated love through connection and selfless service to others. No one was a stranger to him, and he made people feel as though they were the most important person to him. He was always willing to sacrifice his time for the benefit of others.
Papa loved his family and was a friend to everyone he met. He enjoyed simple pleasures like a cup of coffee and a donut, and preferred to share them with you on the porch. He enjoyed learning, always asking insightful questions and was full of interesting facts about a broad range of topics often specific to your current location throughout the United States. While he followed the Buckeyes and Guardians, he was an avid fan of whatever team or sport his family was involved in with the apparel to prove it. He loved playing games and won board games and card games more often than not, but he enjoyed the game more than the win. Papa loved being outside (tending his lawn and garden, hunting, fishing, bird watching, beachcombing, and trips to Canada), but he preferred sharing those experiences with others. He could be found walking alone searching for shark teeth or other treasures along the shore, but he cherished family vacations to the beach where he taught his children and grandchildren how to dominate the waves. His antics in the ocean were legendary. He loved his family deeply, never missing an opportunity to support his grandchildren at their events and gladly joining in any activity his family enjoyed, simply to be together.
Big Red was the ultimate handyman. He took pride in his ability to fix just about anything, and he used this ability to help many asking nothing in return. He was often volunteering his time and enjoyed projects that led him to his favorite hardware stores, particularly because these trips also presented opportunities to make a quick stop at his favorite restaurants. While he was “in town” he always encountered old friends and made new ones. His spirit of adventure often led him to wander and explore. If something went missing, he was on the case and rarely gave up the search until it was found. He had a gift for hospitality, often welcoming others with a warm smile and a hot beverage from the coffee bar he built himself. His selfless nature and wonderful sense of humor brought joy and laughter to all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of love that will not be forgotten.
Greg is survived by his loving wife Marybeth Watterson, sister Debbie (Gary) Levingston, children Kyle (Jessica) Watterson and their daughter Norah, Summer (Damian Junk) Watterson and their children Ella, Molly, and Isaac, Casey (Karly) Watterson and their children Alex and Tessa, Cindy (Andy) Remy and their children Lyla, Mason, and Hunter, Michelle (Colton) Cogar and their children Ada and Claire, and Susan Chitwood and her children Malachi and Monty, step-siblings Tim (Barb) Skinner, Janice Mason, and Tom (Nora) Mason, brothers-in-law William (Esther) Eash and Neal (Lori) Eash, special friends Mike and Karla Mackey and Regina (Jake) Meadows and their children Noah, Colton, Abel, and Maribella, and many nieces and nephews he treasured.
Greg is preceded in death by his parents, Betty (Jesse) Mason and Richard (Eva) Watterson, and step-siblings Debbie Mason, Jimmy Mason, and Jesse Mason Jr.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at North Woodbury Alliance Church at 10:30 A.M., where friends are welcome to greet the family the hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bridge of Faith Church in Greg’s honor.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Greg’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com