Shawn Wesley Watson, age 55, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Toledo Hospital. He was born in Millville, NJ on December 14, 1968 to Emory and Joan (Adkins) Watson. He married the love of his life, Paula (Petteys), on August 22, 1992.
After Shawn (and Paula) raised their three biological children, they opened up their heart and home to foster 19 children of which three they adopted, providing them with love, stability, and a sense of belonging.
Shawn had a love for sports. He played church softball for a number of years, was an umpire for both adult slow pitch and girls fastpitch softball. He coached youth baseball in Weston, youth softball in Bowling Green, girls travel softball for the Ohio Peppers and SGS Magic. He was a softball coach for Otsego, Maumee, and Bowling Green. He gave hitting lessons to a countless number of youth in the Community and he helped out with the Maumee Thunder and Bowling Green Velocity programs. Shawn loved to fish but seldom had the opportunity to partake. He considered all of the youth he coached, his kids, and stayed in contact with many throughout the years. He had an intimidating demeanor to many, a voice that would carry, and a passion for helping kids get to the next level in the classroom, career, and sport. He was very opinionated but honest and he had a heart of gold. His passion for the game inspired young athletes and fostered a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Shawn worked many years in the lumber business at 84 Lumber, Gordon Lumber, and Carter Lumber before deciding to become a stay at home Dad almost a year ago. Shawn was a dedicated salesman and assistant manager, His work ethic and commitment to his craft left a lasting impression on colleagues and clients alike.
Shawn had an infectious sense of humor. Whether through witty remarks, playful banter, or a well-timed joke, he always sought to brighten the lives of those around him. Shawn was a devoted Father who was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments.
Shawn will be deeply missed by family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Shawn is survived by his wife Paula of Bowling Green, his children Chelsea (Jesse Gehringer) of Temperance, MI, Andrew (Gabrielle) of Perrysburg, Morgan (Devon) Wyatt of Genoa, Noah, Samuel, and Lily of Bowling Green. His Mother, Joan, of Liberty Center, his siblings Steven (Lisa) of Mystic Isle, NJ, Keith (Jodie) of Greenfield, IN, and Michele (Brad) Thomas of Grand Rapids. His Mother in Law, Diane Petteys and Brother in Law, Mark (Tricia) Petteys of Bowling Green. Plus many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Emory, oldest brother Terry, and Father in Law Thomas Petteys.
Visitation for Shawn will be held on Wednesday July 10, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster Street. Funeral services will be on Thursday July 11, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, located at 315 S. College Drive in Bowling Green with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. Vicar Robin Small will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family.
To leave an online condolence or share a fond memory with the Watson family, please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
