Cleve Watson Jr. of Colorado Springs CO, passed away on September 5, 2026, in Colorado Springs, CO. He was born on July 2, 1963, to Betty Jean (Johnson) Watson (deceased) and Cleve Watson Sr.
Cleve (also known as EZ or Jr.) attended Harrison High School where he was a member of the football team. He also won several championship titles for Power Lifting as a young man.
As a young child, his family was very close to Fannie Mae Duncan and actively involved in the Cotton Club downtown. Cleve spent much time at the Cotton Club and was introduced to many famous performers such as Flip Wilson. Fannie Mae was considered an Auntie to Cleve.
Cleve’s trades were primarily Welder/Fabricator and Mechanic, however he also had training in HVAC and plumbing and received his NCCER Certification. He always strived to improve his knowledge base and education by taking classes and reading books and manuals. It seems there was nothing he couldn’t build or repair. Prior to his diagnosis of Lung Cancer, he was preparing to test for his CDL Permit and complete the driving portion of the curriculum.
As a young man, Cleve worked for King Masonry and was part of the crew that built the rock wall siding at Compassion International along with work in the Broadmoor and Kissing Camels Estates. He drove heavy equipment working at the Gold Mine in Cripple Creek. Putting his welding and fabrication skills to work, Cleve made many metal signs for people’s homes and ranches as well as the Archway to the Lamar Cemetery.
Cleve’s primary love was working on muscle cars and rebuilding often from the ground up custom trucks with his favorite projects being Ford Broncos and F250 and F350 Superduties. He was mentored for many years by renowned master auto mechanic Gary Pace (deceased) who recognized Cleve’s intelligence, special abilities and talents and formed him into a man who could problem solve most anything mechanical. Cleve teamed up with best friend and painter Jim Pritchard (deceased) to custom make vehicles where Cleve would build motors and turn wrenches and Jim would apply specialized paint finishes. As a motorhead, Cleve followed NASCAR, particularly Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. Cleve loved being up in the mountains and 4 wheeling mountain passes.
Cleve was known to be rough, tough and gruff and made it clear to everyone not to cross any boundaries, especially if it came to people he cared about. He was not an easy person to get to know and kept most people at a distance. He allowed few people to see his kind, caring and thoughtful side, however he would always greet those close to him with a big smile and hug. Cleve would always stop whatever he was doing if you needed him, from your car not starting to your screen door requiring a repair. He was always looking for things that needed work for his friends. Before you could even ask for his assistance, the job was completed without your knowledge and without any fanfare.
Cleve is survived by his sister, Simone Jhane Watson of Colorado Springs; his son, Curtis Watson, daughter-in-law Geneva Watson and 3 grandchildren, all of Virginia; his partner of 14 years, Lily Frasch, of Colorado Springs; his father, Cleve Watson Sr. of Colorado Springs; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Jean (Johnson) Watson; sister, Ronetta (Watson) Thomas; Aunt Wisteria Johnson, Uncle Floyd Watson and his much beloved Uncle Curtis Watson.
A Celebration of Life was held October 24,, 2026, for a small group of close family and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and Common Spirit/ Penrose Radiology Department where Cleve received expert, loving and compassionate care.