Muncie, IN

Leon Watters, 86, of Muncie, Indiana, died January 8, 2024, at Brickyard Healthcare after a long battle with dementia. He was born in Whitley City, Kentucky, May 27, 1937 to Millard and Mae Waters, and he came to Muncie in 1957. He worked 25 years in forge shops at Broderick's and Chevrolet Muncie and retired from Duffy Tool and Stamping after 24 years.

He was legendary at roofing houses and running steam hammers. People often have a story to tell about how fast he could nail shingles on a house, and some say he was faster than a machine nail gun. He was always willing to teach the tricks of the trade to others including his son, Tony, who would be by his side on many roofing jobs. Leon often worked multiple jobs to provide for his family.

Leon was a member of Ross Grove United Baptist Church in Strunk, Kentucky, and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge many years ago.

He is survived by his children Tony Singer (Susan), Robert Watters (James), Troy Watters (Diane), and Leslie Reading Woodson; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brothers Millard "Junior" Waters, Guy Waters (Kathy); sisters Elsie Jones, Stella Ball (Joe), Edna Waters, Joyce Waters; brother-in-law Don Stevens; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend for 52 years, Carl Burchfield. Leon also served as a father figure to several neighborhood kids while he was raising his kids, including Glen Williams and Barrie Parker.

In addition to his parents, Leon is preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Dorothy Watters; son Randy Singer; brothers Evert Waters and Roger Dale Waters; sisters Betty Stevens, Helen Waters, Ellon Waters, and Lottie Waters; sister-in-law Jurlene Waters; and grandson Shane Singer.

Funeral services will be held at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton, on Saturday, January 13, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Larry Waters officiating. Visitation is Friday, January 12, 5-8 p.m. and one hour before the service on Saturday.

Special thanks to the staff at Brickyard Healthcare and Heart to Heart Hospice.