Paul Duane Watt

Paul  D. Watt Sr., 77, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 4:00 P.M. Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Paul Watt to Cleveland Clinic Department of Vascular Surgery or The American Cancer Society.  Those wishing to sign Paul’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Paul was born October 9, 1936 in St. Joseph, MI to Harry “Duke” & Hazel “Billie” (Sutton) Watt. He graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 1955 and went on to attend Hope College and receive his Bachelor’s in Education. On September 28, 1957 he wed Marilyn Vereeke in Zeeland, MI. Paul was a high school educator starting his 30 plus years in teaching in Dowagiac, then Lakeshore and lastly in Benton Harbor. He enjoyed coaching the high school football teams over the years and the semi pro Southwestern Michigan Hawks football team. Paul also worked for 32 years on the Sheriff’s Department’s Marine & Snowmobile division, and help found and maintain the management company at Eagle Pointe Harbor in St. Joseph. Paul was very passionate about all of his jobs and truly enjoyed his work. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Marilyn Watt; children Kima Watt of Naples, FL, Paul Jr. (Kelly) Watt of St. Joseph, Shawn (Daniel) Unruh of St. Joseph and Marcee (Kevin) Schlapak of Eau Claire; grandchildren Zack, Deaven, Kyle, Meghan, D.J., Tyler, Emili, Shawn (Brittany) and Staci (David); 6 great grandchildren Ayla, Mae, Henry, Alyssa, Katelyn,and Little Z; sister Nancy(Charles) Gargano of Stevensville; brother Dave (Betty) Karsten of St. Joseph and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.