Obituary of Stephen K. Watrous

Canton—

Stephen K. Watrous, age 69, of Canton, died Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at his home while surrounded by his family.  

Stephen was born May 3, 1948, in Cortland, NY. The son of the late Norman K. & Bernice L. (Rankin)
Watrous, he graduated from Groton Central School in 1966.  After high school, he worked for Smith Corona Typewriter Company in Groton, before meeting in his wife-to-be, Linda L. Evans. With the Vietnam War still going on, Mr. Watrous enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was a member of the 25th Infantry Division.
Before heading overseas, he married Linda, June 8, 1968, at Canton United Methodist Church by Rev. Calvin Zimmer. Steve left immediately after, and served from June 12, 1968 to June 12, 1970.  He was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart.

Stephen returned to the North Country after the war, where he lived the rest of his life with his wife, to
whom he was married for over forty-nine years. He worked primarily in the dairy industry for many years, beginning as a cheese maker in Heuvelton and Ogdensburg before being promoted to a supervisory position at Universal Foods. After leaving that position, he spent the rest of his working days as a logistics manager for Allied Federated Co-op in Canton, before retiring.  

Surviving are his wife, Linda of Canton; two sons, Keith (Anastasia) Watrous of Chandler, AZ and Greg
(Jeannie) Watrous of Mebane, NC; two brothers, Alan J. (Bonny) Watrous of Brooksville, FL, Gary L. (Kathy) Watrous of Groton, NY; a sister, Susan M. (David) Downes of Cortland, NY; four grandchildren, Kaylie & Mekenzie Watrous and Lainey & Josephine Watrous; and several nieces and nephews.

Stephen was a member of the American Legion Post 800, Groton, NY.  He loved sports.  He liked
watching the Yankees, the Giants and the Syracuse Orange.  He was an avid coin collector and liked playing cards, especially when he won!  But most of all he loved and cherished time with his family.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 4th from 10 am to 12 Noon at Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 21 Park Street, Canton.  The funeral will follow at 12:15 PM (for any who choose to stay) at the funeral home with Chaplain Robert Schirmer officiating.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Canton.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.