Visitation will be on Sunday, March 15 from 2pm -8pm at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 114 Lancelot Dr. Franklin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 11:30am.
A full military burial will follow at St. Martin’s of Whitfield in Loogootee, IN at 5pm.
Gary David Wathen, 57 of Nineveh passed away on March 11, 2015 at Methodist Hospital. Gary was born to the late Donald Earl and Pearl Bernice (Clements) Wathen in Beech Grove, IN. Gary married the love of his life, Christine Berger on June 12, 1982 in Jasper, IN.
Gary was a graduate of Loogootee High School in 1976. He was a member of the Indiana National Guard for 31 years and a US Marine Corp veteran. After 27 years of employment, Gary retired in 2013 from CSMS#2 at Camp Atterbury. Gary deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 as a member of OMLT#1. He was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and American Legion Post 233, Edinburgh.
Gary is survived by his wife, Chris; four children, Beth (Torrance) McClellan of Indianapolis, Kelli (Bob) Clarke of Camby, Andrew (Tifani) Wathen of Nineveh, and Natalie Wathen of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Yasmin and Emory McClellan, Brice Thompson, Morgan and Cameron Wathen, and 2 step grandchildren, Jessica and Jason Clarke; sisters, Betty (Jim) Carroll of Loogootee, Monica Cothern of Vincennes; brothers, Kenny (Marie) Wathen of St. Anthony, Mark (Elaine) Wathen of Loogootee, and Shane (Sandy) Stuckey of Jasper. Gary is preceded in death by his sister, Sheila Bateman.
Jon Davis says
Hadn’t talked to Gary since 1989 but have fond memories. He replaced me in HHC Troop Command around 85-86. Really a nice person…
Sheila says
Gary was always a pleasure to work with. He always asked how are ya and had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed!
Chris Newport says
So sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Gary but I have great admiration and respect the men and women of our arm forces. As it turns out my son served with Gary in the Guard. He considered him to be a close friend. God Bless and Comfort your family.
Sgt Steven Garland says
i served with gary in the
l guard unit. good man and friend he will be missed … prayers to his familt during this troubed time
Ann and Russell Teeters says
Gary, MSG, Wathen was one of the most honorable, generous and loyal Soldiers I had the honor of serving with. Always a great guy and great dad and great friend. Our prayers are with his family.
Robin Bratton says
I didn’t know Gary, but I know all of his children. He must have been a fantastic dad, because the Wathen kids were great teenagers, and I know they are very special adults now. I’m so sorry for the pain the entire family is feeling.
Darla Saladin says
Gary was alway a man with a smile on his face who was always willing to help a neighbor or a friend at any time. Sometimes you didn’t even know he was helping you but he was always there. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
sherry gentry says
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
Cristina Ponto says
Beth, I am sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I will be saying many prayers for your family.
Mary Henman says
Words can not express how much he will be missed. Prayers of peace and love to Chris and family.
Donald Mann says
Sorry to hear about Gary , I got to know him better when me & him was in the National Guard , in Jasper , IN.
Tony Isaac says
I attended a Logistics Course at Little Rock with Gary. On graduation day they played God Bless the USA. I looked over at him and tears were rolling down his face. He truly was proud to be an American and proud to be a Soldier. He was a good man.
Andy Clements says
Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi. OOORAH!
Uncle Andy
MSgt. USMC
Retired
Don and Jo Ford says
Soooo sad to hear this. First met Gary and Chris when Don and I were newly married. We moved in to the house next door to them. WONDERFUL neighbors, people, and friends. Last saw him when he and Chris came to my mom’s calling hours last November. So very glad the four of us were able to sit down and talk a while. Thankful for his service to our country and the pleasure of knowing him. Prayers to all of you: Chris, Beth, Kelli, Andy, and Natalie, and the rest of Gary’s family.
Jim Black says
May Gary rest in peace and in the comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gary was a good friend and companion. May God Bless his family. I am really sorry for their loss. Prayers and thoughts for them.
Kathy Ison says
Words cannot express my sympathy for you and your family, Chris. May God surround you with his love, comfort, and strength.
Susie Bryant says
RIP GARY
Chris I’m so sorry for you’re loss.Always thought a lot of Gary.
May God Bless you and you’re family in you’re time of this loss..
Agi Schafer-Kreiser (Claire's sister, one of) says
Dear Chris and family … I want to reach out across the miles and give you huge hug. I am deeply saddened by this news. There is a candle being lit at St. Therese’s here in Kansas City, MO in unity and solidarity for Gary, you and your family. United in prayer…
Gary Arnett says
Only knew him for w few years while at Camp Atterbury. Very nice guy. Would do anything for you. Thoughts and prayers from my family to his.
Eric Schoolcraft says
Gary was a great family man. He was always a great guy to me in the couple of years i spent around him. I have fond memories of coaching baseball with him and playing basketball and softball with him as well. I wish i could pay my respects in person but I live out of state. Chris, Beth, Kelli, Andrew and Natalie I am so sorry for your loss and your family will be in my prayers. God Bless
Eric Schoolcraft
MAJ Dan Hensley says
Rest in peace. Your service is appreciated.
Randy L. Myers says
So sorry for your loss, prayers for your family.Loss a great friend. I am glad to call him a friend.
Roy Taylor says
may you rest in peace Gary God bless.
Jesse and Marilyn Clarke says
Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time. So sorry for your loss. He was a very kind and loving person. We are all richer for having known him.
Mike Thompson says
He always helped his fellow soldiers. He had a mature, calming voice. Gary was always helpful.
Theresia Ramsperger says
I am sending my condolences and regret that I cannot make it to the funeral home. I have heard wonderful things about him over the many years through Tina.
Allen Haynes says
Gary and I knew each other while in the Guard, but became really good friends when we deployed. He was an inspiration to me and I’ll miss him
Vincennes University Alumni and Foundation Staff says
Our deepest and sincere sympathy goes out to your family at the loss of your husband, father and brother.
Vincennes University Alumni and Foundation Staff
Cynthia Earl says
Gary Wathen was a great person and good friend to many, he never failed to help anyone in need, he will be missed by many, RIP dear friend