Obituary for Ben Waters

Ben Waters

February 25, 1983 — September 27, 2023

Benjamin Paul Waters was born on February 25, 1983, in Ponca City, Oklahoma to the parents of Denise Roughface and Charlie Waters. Benjamin passed away on September 27, 2023. Everyone who knew Benjamin knew how much he loved praising and worshipping the Lord, the Dallas Cowboys, reading his Bible, being active in his recovery, helping anyone in need, and teasing with everyone he knew and loved.

Benjamin was named after both of his grandfathers. He graduated from Ponca City High School, and he attended and graduated in Culinary Arts from Tahlequah Job Corps. Benjamin also planned on attending college this spring specializing in drug and alcohol addictions so that he could continue to help others struggling with addictions.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his sister, JoAnn Gullo and her husband David; brothers, Charles Waters, James Waters and Michael Roughface; nieces, Avery Potts, Jaymee Waters, Leila Waters, and all of the Merritt and the Eagles girls; nephews Denver Potts and Ezra Lindell; and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren that he loved very much.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his father and mother; his beloved paternal grandfather Ben Waters (who raised him); paternal grandmother Edna Waters; maternal grandparents Paul and Clara (Roy) Roughface; infant brother Donald Waters; Nephews Earl Howe, IV and Tadd Lee Merritt aka “Tadpole”.

Services will be held at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 7 p.m. Funeral will be held on Thursday October 5, 2023, with a traditional meal that will begin at noon, with services following at Ponca Indian Cemetery.

Pallbears are James Waters, Star WhiteStar, Kevin Decorah, Ira Primeaux, Bobby Rhodd, Clayton Roughface, Alfred Arkeketa, and Rudy Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers are Charles Waters, Roberto Ochoa, Kenneth BlueBack, Denver Potts, David Gullo, Michael Roughface, and Craig Primeaux.