Richard John Waters was born north of Hydro on October 30, 1928, to John and Rose (Grieser) Waters and received salvation and baptism at an early age. He joyfully entered into God's presence on Friday, September 16, 2022, at the age of 93 years 10 months and 17 days.

Richard lived a kind and generous life that reflected his love for the Lord. The family is thankful for his Godly wisdom and leadership through the years. He made an important choice to have a good attitude, no matter the circumstances. As a boy, he spent many hours roaming the canyons and South Canadian River. He attended Hopewell Country School through 8th grade, went to Jabbok Bible School in Thomas, and finished his last two years at Hydro High School, graduating in 1946.

Richard married Lois Stutzman in September 1948. It was hot and dry in Oklahoma making it difficult to make a living farming, so they moved to LaJunta, CO, where he worked on a dairy farm. They also lived in Atmore, AL for a year. After moving back to Hydro, he worked as a mechanic for Buckmaster Automotive, the IH dealer in Weatherford, and did custom cotton harvesting while also being a seed dealer through the years. His real love was farming, and he was a pioneer in the area of no-till and low-till farming and received many awards and honors, including an honorary agronomy degree from OSU and in 2002 was named Oklahoma Farmer Stockman's Farmer of the Year. There were numerous magazine articles about his no-till and crop management practices. Richard was very humble about the accolades and mentored many young farmers and always had a listening ear to everyone, no matter how busy he was. He was a "hands on" dad, spending hours with his children teaching life lessons through work and play. They did lots of things together, each encounter bringing teachable lessons without preaching. His wisdom was interwoven through everyday life experiences. He sowed 60 wheat crops in his lifetime, retiring at age 86. He had many interests including getting his private pilot's license, photography, archery, learning new things, and reading every day until he was 93. Music was a big part of his life, and he played violin and guitar during his teen years and sang with his family through the years. He loved singing with the Slagell Quartet and men's chorus at Pleasant View Church.

Richard married Marilyn Hamburger in October 1990 and they enjoyed 32 years filled with fun and laughter. He was a loving, Godly, gentle, and always happy man who made you want to be like him.

Richard is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marilyn; daughters Gerri Hutchison of Thomas, Dixie Yoder and husband Galen of Thomas; son Rod and wife Chris of Hydro; seven grandchildren, Kevin Yoder and wife Tasha, Jason Yoder and wife Tracy, Ash Hutchison and wife Melissa, Regina Gray and husband Bryan, Brandon Waters and wife Kelly, Nick Waters and wife Eladah, and Jacobey Post; twelve great-grandchildren, Katie Flores and husband Ivan, Caleb Yoder and fiancé Brenna Glasscock, Nathan Yoder and Kiersten Yoder, Elizabeth and Zachary Gray, Finn Hutchison, Barrett, Ryker, and Britton Waters, Amaria Musick and Oakley Waters and many other people who loved him. Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Lois; his parents, John & Rose Waters; sister Viola Bond; and son-in-law, Albert Hutchison, and a great-grandson, Keenan Musick.

Memorial Donations may be made to a charity of choice or Infinite Grace Ministries.