Out of deep respect for Mike Watson and his family, Mayor Dave Wood and Council President Gregg A. Hixenbaugh have agreed to postpone the State of the City address that was scheduled for Monday, March 27th, 2023. Mike Watson, who was a longtime Mishawaka public servant, passed away on March 22nd, 2023.
The State of the City address has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 6:00 pm and will be held in the Council Chambers at Mishawaka City Hall, which is located at 100 LWW, Mishawaka Indiana, 46544.
The Watson family has announced that they will receive friends from 2 pm-8 pm on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Queen of Peace, 4508 Vistula Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46544 with visitation 1 hour prior in the church.
Mayor Wood stated that, “Mike was a great public servant to our citizens, father-like figure to me, mentor to many and friend to all. He changed our city for the better in many immeasurable ways and he will be greatly missed.”
Mike lived his life in the city he loved Mishawaka. Mike served as: Mishawaka Fire Chief, Street Commissioner, Central Services Director, and Board of Public Works member. Mike was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Mike Pence for his service to the State of Indiana and was honored to have the new Central Services Building named the “R. Mike Watson Central Services Facility.”
In true Mike fashion, he continued to serve the city as a member of the Board of Public Works and Safety from 2004 until his death.
“Mike was always seeking ways to advance and improve Mishawaka. He had a significant impact on our community throughout his 48 years of exemplary service, which will be felt for years to come,” stated Council President Hixenbaugh.
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