Police Officer Gary Joseph “Wazoo” Watson P-847
(1952-2025)
Gary was born August 2, 1952 to Josephine Watson. He attended St. Williams Grade School and Elder High School, graduating in June 1970.
During high school and after, from October 1968 to September 1970, Gary worked as a gas station attendant and mechanic the Standard Oil of Ohio (Sohio).
Gary joined the Cincinnati Police Division as a Police Cadet on September 20, 1970. He attended the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Police Science, and earned an associate degree in June 1973. While attending college, every other quarter, he was assigned full-time to the Detention Section (City Hall), Communication Section (310 Lincoln Park Drive), and Training Section in the 59th Recruit Class. On August 12, 1973, upon surpassing his 21stbirthday, he was promoted to Police Recruit. He was promoted to Patrolman on November 25, 1973, issued Badge 847, and assigned to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue). Little more than a year later, he was rotated to District 6 (3295 Erie Avenue). Then, in another year, he transferred to District 3 (3201 Warsaw Avenue). He also served on Erie Avenue when it was renamed District 2 and again in District 3. Officer Watson’s supervisors and commanders consistently spoke of his self-motivation and very little need of supervision. Officer Watson retired December 16, 1995 with 25 years of service and an incredible 51 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
After several lingering maladies, in 2023, Officer Watson was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile duct). He underwent surgery, but the outcome was not curative. Through chemotherapy and radiation his body was wracked so badly that he almost died twice, but he continued the battle. His battle finally ended on the night of March 11, 2025.
He was predeceased by his son, Jonathan Watson. Officer Watson is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Cynthia Lynn “Cindy” (Whiteaker) Watson; children, Erin Pinsenschaum, Michelle (Page) Layman, Danielle (Chad) Steward, Joshua Watson, Brooke Watson, Kristina Watson, and Shyanne Watson; grandchildren, Brandon (Jessica) Redden, Samuel Pinsenschaum, Tyler Watson, Abigail Layman, and Grant Watson; and great-granddaughter, Ava Redden.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Webster’s Funeral Home, 3080 Homeward Way in Fairfield. FOP Services will be at 1945 hours. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Bridgewater Church, 3100 Princeton Road. Interment to follow at New St. Joseph Cemetery, 4500 Foley Road
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