Obituary of Donald Ray Waters

Donald Ray Waters, age 77, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Ardmore, Okla. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Dale Fullerton and Pastor John Hatfield officiating. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Ardmore, Okla. Don was born to Victor Waters and Evelyn (Thornton) Waters at Kansas City, Missouri, on January 27, 1939. He graduated from Dickson High School and attended Murray State College and Cooke County College earning his degree in Criminal Justice. Don served his country in the United States Army and achieved the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge. He went to work for the Ardmore Police Department and worked there for 16 and half years achieving the rank of Captain. Taking an early retirement, he took a position as a Park Ranger for Lake Murray as the very first Park Ranger for that lake in 1976. Don then began working for the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and later, held the office as Sheriff. Don married Cleatha Jones on October 23, 2015. He was a member of the National Sheriff’s Association, the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association, and the Blue River Hot Rod Club. Don was an instructor for Court Security and Prisoner Transport. He was on the CLEET Advisory Board and was an instructor. He held the position as Honorary Vice President of American Farmers and Ranchers Insurance. Don served as pastor of Southwest Pentecostal Church for over 30 years and as pastor of the First Christian Church for almost 8 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Guy Waters, and sisters: Jo Ashley and Lois Fowler. Don is survived by his wife, Cleatha, of the home, son, Marty Waters, and wife, Robin, daughter, Donnell Abshire and husband, Phil, and sister, Janie Barnett. Grandchildren: Brandon Waters, Chaz Waters, Cody Abshire, and Nicholas Abshire. Numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. His grandsons and law enforcement will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, December 13, 2016, at Griffin-Hillcrest, Ardmore, Okla.