Willard Wade Waterson, 85, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away on April 9, 2026. He was born on April 25, 1940, to Lloyd and Zola Mae Waterson. Willard graduated from John Adams High School in 1959. He went on to attend Ball State University for three years, where he played the clarinet in the wind ensemble, before earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University in 1965. On April 23, 1966, Willard married the love of his life, Mary Zimmerman, at St. Joseph Parish in Mishawaka. They shared 55 years of marriage before Mary’s passing on October 1, 2021.

Willard devoted 40 years of his professional life working as an insurance investigator and agent. He was deeply involved in his community and took great pride in his many affiliations and accomplishments. He was a member of the South Bend Elks Lodge 235, where he was a member for years. He was also a member of the Toastmasters Club, where Willard’s wit and storytelling earned him recognition in 1989 when he won the Humorous Speech Contest at the local, district, and semi-state levels, representing 40 clubs in Indianapolis. Willard was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. His dedication was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal in 2002, the organization’s highest award for local chapter service, and the Patriot Medal in 2008, the highest honor for exceptional service within the Indiana State Society. For ten years, he participated in area parades and attended numerous national conventions alongside his wife Mary.

A man of faith, Willard was active in his church communities. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church choir from 2009 to 2025, where he sang faithfully for over 16 years. His daughter, Margaret, served as choir director and organist during that time. He was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church . Willard and Mary were devoted volunteers, coordinating coffee service for many years following the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

Willard is survived by his sister, Lynne DeLong; daughter, Margaret George and her significant other, Greg Rolston and Greg’s mother, Kristine Rolston along with extended family and many dear friends. He will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to community, his love of music, and his warm sense of humor.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10:30AM - 11:30 AM, in St. Joseph Church South Bend, 226 N Hill St, South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin in the church, at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, 1415 N Main St, Mishawaka.

To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willard Wade Waterson, please visit our floral store.