Obituary for Joe Don Waters

Joe Don Waters, Sr. of Sapulpa, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, January 29th, 2014.

Joe Don was born to Alan and Modina Waters on November 10th, 1971. He graduated from Moore High School in 1990 and attended Fort Lewis College on a football scholarship.

Joe Don received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and the Master of Education Degree from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. In 1992, Joe Don married Kim (Coser) Waters. Kim is the daughter of Pete and Jo Anna Coser of Stillwater, OK.

At the time of his death, Joe Don was the Indian Education Coordinator for the Owasso Public Schools beginning in 2005 to present. All of his work history involved counseling and working with children of various ages.

Joe Don was always a willing volunteer for community cultural activities. He was a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan and was given the name K’ope-ol-tigh-baw meaning “Mountain That Looks Up” referring to Mt. Sheridan. Joe Don was the recipient of the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission, Rennard Strickland Education Leadership Award in 2011 and recipient of the Indian Health Care Resource Center Volunteer of the Year in 2013. His favorite pastimes included singing at the drum, watching his children participate in the dance and sports arenas and watching OU football.

Joe Don is survived by his wife Kim and five children; Savannah, Joe Don Jr., Jaden Brave, Kugay Wahohn, and adopted son Terrance Atkins. He is also survived by sisters Kristina Waters of Ponca City, OK and Randi Sunray of Norman, OK and many loving nieces and nephews.

Wake services will be held on Friday, January 31st at 7:00 PM in the White Eagle Cultural Center in Ponca City, OK. A Traditional Feast will begin at noon on Saturday, February 1st, followed by services at 2:00 PM, White Eagle Cultural Center.

Source: Trout Funeral Home