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Ponca City, Oklahoma-
Don was born in Wister, OK in the back room of a
small country store owned and operated by his parents Faye (Chaplin) and Val
Waters. He learned the value of hard work, discipline and sacrifice from his
mother, who continued to operate the store and other businesses until the
day of her passing at age 93.
He attended school in Wister, OK and played baseball and basketball. He admitted he wasn’t very good but enjoyed the competition and was a damn good bench warmer.
Don graduated high school in May 1952 and left home 2 weeks after graduation. He started working for AT&SF Railroad in May of the same year. He had assignments in over 40 different locations up to 1962 when he accepted a ‘permanent’ position in Ponca City. Don went where the work was. He retired in 1989 after 37 years. He worked two jobs for most of his career with his last job providing administrative support for Joe J. Dempewolf Moving & Storage.
Don married Minnie Lee (Welch) in 1954 and they had 2 sons. He subsequently married Earline (Newman) Waters. After retirement he enjoyed traveling, trips to Las Vegas, and playing poker with his buddies. He also developed a reputation in the neighborhood for his willingness to help those in need.
Survivors include his Sons Kerwin (Cindy) Waters of Montgomery, TX and Rick (Rhonda) Waters of Ponca City, OK. Five Grandchildren - Ryan (Nicole) Waters of Ponca City, OK; Kara (Blake) Hamilton of Tulsa, OK; Lauren Waters of Rancho Cucomonga, CA; Megan (Adam) Perez and Kayla (Mason) McLean of Houston, TX; Niece Cheryl Garner of Wister, OK; Stepdaughter Connie (Jimmy) Truex, step-grandchildren Roy (Dawn) Willeford and Desiree (Brian) McDonald and numerous great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
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