John Clark Waters

John Clark Waters, 71 year old Ft. Gibson resident, died Friday, August 7, 2009 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Thursday, April 14, 1938 in Eufaula, OK to Merton and Rae Moss Waters. John grew up in Eufaula where he received his education, graduating from Eufaula High School in 1956. After graduation, he attended Okmulgee Tech, later joining the National Guard, moving to Ft. Benning, Georgia to receive his officer training. John moved back to Oklahoma, settling in Tulsa. He began working for Len Sherril Paint and Body shop, before going to work for Medco, building Ultra Sound Equipment. He met, fell in love and married Linda Wood on Saturday, October 8, 1960 in Eufaula, OK. They made their home in Tulsa until 1962, when they moved back to Eufaula. John began working for H.D. Youngman Construction Co.; they were transferred to Bristow for one year. They moved to Muskogee where john began working for Fansteel for a brief time before going to work at O.G. and E. John worked for O. G. and E. for 24 years, retiring as a Unit Supervisor. They moved to Ft. Gibson where John was a very active member at Crescent Valley Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and served as the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee. He was very involved with missions, traveling to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck, Florida, and Montana. He served as the First President of the Ark of Faith Board, enjoyed photography, playing the guitar, and was an avid reader; he also was a member of Tulsa's Fast Draw Gun Club. Because of John's dedication to Missions, a ministry was named on his behalf, Living Waters Ministry. He was an honest, hardworking man who was loyal and dedicated to his family and always ready to help a friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, David and Glen Waters; and one sister, Margaret Ann Waters. John is lovingly survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda of the home; two daughters, Dana E. Waters and Anita S. (Waters) Kilgore and her husband Paul; Six grandchildren, Morrison, Tucker, Savana, Payden, Mazzy, and Landen. Two Brothers-in-law, John Wood and his wife Patricia and Severs Wood and his wife JoAnn and a Sister-in-law, Bobbie Sue Wood. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended relatives and a host of friends.Viewing will be 9 AM to 2 PM at Garrett Funeral Home, Checotah and 5 PM to 7 PM Monday, August 10, 2009 at Crescent Valley Baptist Church, Tahlequah. The family will greet friends from 5 PM to 7 PM at the church. Funeral services for John will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at Crescent Valley Baptist Church with Pastor Chad Pendergraft officiating. Committal prayers and Interment will be held at 2:30 PM in Greenwood Cemetery, Eufaula, OK. with Larry Dotson, Gary Dotson, Terry Ritchie, Ronnie Holuby and Ken Faddis, and David Pride serving as Casket Bearers. Bill Hearn, Gary Wilcox, Randy Garroutte, Bob Stinchcomb, Paul Jones, George Mills, Johnny Hamilton and fellow co-workers from O.G. and E. will serve as Honorary Casket Bearers. You may share online condolences with John's family @ www.garrettfamilyfuneralhome.com. The family of John Waters entrusted his care and services to John and Kim Garrett Of Garrett Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 311 SW 2nd Checotah, OK 74426 (918) 473-2244.