John "Jack" D. Waterson

John “Jack” Waterson, 85, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on May 2, 2026, at Providence Home.

Jack was born on November 10, 1940 in Columbia City, Indiana, to Jesse Dillard Waterson and Bernice Mae (Pergrem) Salisbury. He later made South Bend his home, where he became a familiar and friendly presence in the community.

He worked faithfully as a custodian at Gospel Center Missionary Church for many years, retiring in December 2003 after a decade of dedicated service. More than a job, the church was an important part of Jack’s life—he was a devoted member who found joy in worship, fellowship, and service to others.

On November 6, 1993, he married Nila Jean Stealy, who survives him. He is also survived by his daughter, Darla Jane (Cliff Agee) Gordon of Ottumwa, Iowa; three grandchildren, Teren M. (Shawn Umphress) Gordon, Dane L. Gordon, and Garrett R. D. (Mariah West) Gordon; and four great-grandchildren, David Eckert, Jayce McCombs, Christine McCombs, and Charlotte Reisinger.

Jack lived a full and active life, marked by a wide range of interests and passions. In his younger years, he was involved in 4-H in LaGrange County and the Boy Scouts of America, where he was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He later served on staff at BSA Camp Lowden, teaching Morse code and first aid. He remained engaged in community and hobby groups throughout his life, including CB radio clubs, the R.E.A.C.T. Radio Club, and the Handyman Club of America, where he held a life membership. He also participated in the Long Ridge Writers Group and volunteered through the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.).

A creative spirit, Jack wrote, directed, and produced the Christmas musical “O Holy Night” for his church. He was also an avid enthusiast of classic cars—especially Mustangs—and had a deep appreciation for model railroading. He enjoyed collecting model trains, hats, and duck figurines, hobbies that reflected his curiosity and love for detail.

Jack will be remembered for his steady presence, his dedication to his faith and family, and his many interests that brought him joy and connection with others. Jack’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the community he served.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46614. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Gospel Center Missionary Church, 930 S. 30th St., South Bend, IN 46615, with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Ligonier, IN. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is honored to be assisting the family at this time. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack’s honor may be given to Gospel Center Missionary Church or Bethel University, 1001 Bethel Cir., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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