Gordon Louis Watson, 68, of Springfield Nursing and Rehab in Springfield, passed away peacefully shortly after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Gordon was born on September 13, 1958 in Marion County. At 15 months of age Gordon was diagnosed with brain damage after having a high fever. He attended the special education class at Lebanon Elementary School until his graduation in 1978. Before an auto accident took away his ability to walk in his 20s, he loved to ride his bike and participated in the Special Olympics several times. He had been a resident of Springfield Nursing and Rehab since July 2005 when his Mama and Daddy could no longer take care of him at home. He had a real love for people and an eye for a pretty girl.

Gordon is preceded in death by: his parents, Louis and Eva L. Gordon Watson; a brother-in-law, Charles R. Tharp; and his grandparents, L.C. Sr. and Elizabeth Alice Gordon and Ray and Lilith Watson.

He is survived by: sisters, Wanda Tharp and Eva Jo (Greg) Nugent of Lebanon and Alice (Jerry) Watteau of New Albany, Indiana; nieces and nephews, Brandi (Corey) Ingram, Charles Lewis “Louche” (Cristina Villegas) Gaddie, Caleb (Tanya) Nugent and Nena (Billy) Olivier; several great nieces and nephews along with a great- great niece also survive and a host of other family and friends.

Though not family by blood, Gordon had a family at the nursing home. Two of his closest friends at the nursing home were long-time caregiver Linda Young who he called mother and best friend Steven Clark.

A visitation for Gordon Louis Watson will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026 with funeral services following at 5 p.m. Gordon’s cousin Tony Whitehouse will officiate the service. Burial will be in Ryder Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Charles Lewis “Louche” Gaddie, Caleb Nugent ,and cousins Keith, Mark and John Gordon. Stephen Clark will serve as an honorary pallbearer. 

Honorary pallbearers are Stephen Clark.

Bosley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to one of Gordon’s favorite charities which include: MC Exceptional Adult Association, Lincoln’s Toybox, Working the Puzzle for Autism or Crusade for Children.