George Milton Waters

George "Corky" Waters was born in Pamona, Missouri November 12th 1941. He passed at his home in Scranton, Kansas on May 26th 2015.
George is survived by his wife of 48 years Joan M. (Hoss) Waters, his son George W. Waters and his wife Kathleen, and their son George Nathaniel (Nate) Waters.

It is hard to sum up a life with a few short words. Especially when we show others only what we want them to see. My father chose to show the world his labor. He was an honest man with a strong work ethic. He believed in starting work at 8:00am and not stopping work until 5:00pm. He believed in an honest wage for honest work. He always gave 100% and expected no less from those he worked with. It was hard keeping up with him when he worked. His mind worked quickly as well. He could give you the answer to a complex math problem while most of us were still pressing clear on the calculator. He seldom forgot a detail and was always reading and learning new things, useful, practical things or history, especially when that history related to machines or human achievements and spirit. As a welder he was second to none. I saw his welds hold even when the steal around it was later bent and torn. I asked him once why he became a welder instead of a carpenter like his father. His answer was straight-forward and practical, like him; "When you cut a board too short you're out of luck, but with steel I can weld it back together, grind in down and no one will ever know."
My father could be grouchy, obstinate and opinionated. He could also be cheerful, sensitive and thoughtful. We did not readily see those traits because they were usually hidden under a coat of veneer. I don't know why he applied such a thick coat. I wish he hadn't applied it so heavily at times. I think a lot more people could have learned from him if he hadn't. Still a lot of people did learn from him. I certainly have. It has, in many cases, taken me years to recognize or appreciate the lessons he was teaching me. Dad was not the most patient teacher, but I was never a very apt pupil. Like I said, his mind was nimble and he grasped things immediately that most of us needed time to comprehend. I am comforted by the fact that in passing on what Dad taught me to my son, and to others, that his teachings will affect eternity and his influence will never cease as there will be a small part of him in all of us.
Dad loved animals and nature. We camped a lot when I was young and we always had family pets - usually 3 or 4, but it was not until he passed, in reading letters Dad wrote to himself, that I truly saw the depth and love my father had for living things. I often joked that Dad didn't care who died in a movie as long as the dog lived. I should not have been surprised, all the signs were there, but like almost everyone else I simply saw the gruff exterior. My mother had the privilege of getting to know my father the best. At times, I really wondered what she saw in him and it is sadly only after his passing that I understand.
Dad was a loving grandfather. He made toys for my son, taught him to take pride in his work and never failed to smile when he saw him. I think Nate will be like his grandfather in many ways. He loves animals, fairness and traditions. He also has a knack for saying things simply like his grandfather. Nate said it best, "Thank you, for everything Grandpa. I love you".
Before he passed, Dad told me he did not want an obituary. "Let 'em think I lived forever", he said. Well, I am going to disobey you one last time Dad, but I believe people need to know a bit about who you really were. Besides this is not a notice of death, but a reflection on your life and your lasting legacy. Yeah, Dad wouldn't have bought that either…
I love you Dad.