Robert G. Waters

Robert Waters (Bob) (87) of Junction City passed on Tuesday, January 15th at the Geary County Community Hospital. Celebration of his life will be held Monday January 21st at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. A private graveside service will be held before the celebration. Family visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, January 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Bob Waters was born on October 21, 1920 in Junction City, Kansas, son of Clarence and Lela (Glenn) Waters. He attended Franklin Elementary School, graduated from Junction City High School. Inevitably dubbed "Muddy" Waters he was chosen captain of the Blue Jay football team. He attended Kansas State University where he was elected president of his sophomore class and played on the KSU football team.

He entered the army in 1942 and was stationed in England. He returned to Junction City after the war and resumed work at his father's store with his uncle David Waters where he worked constantly for the next 62 years. He never retired. Waters True Value has stores in Junction City, Salina, Great Bend, Manhattan, Emporia and Dodge City.

June 15, 1949 he married Betty Rolfs. Bob and Betty knew each other their entire lifetime being neighbors as they grew up.

He is survived by his wife Betty of the home, son Jim and Bev Waters of Salina, Daughter Peggy and Glen Erickson of Wichita, and son Clarence and Jean Waters of Omaha, NE. The eight grandchildren are: Steve Waters of Corpus Christi TX, Scott Waters of Manhattan KS, Jennifer Waters of Salina, Christopher Erickson of Wichita, Sean Erickson of Wichita, Ali Erickson of Wichita (attending KU), Lela Waters of Omaha (attending Northwestern), and Paul Waters of Omaha.

Bob is a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon. He served on the Board of Directors of the True Value Company and the Central National Bank.

As a volunteer he served the Geary Community Hospital, Highland Cemetery, Coronado Area Council Boy Scout of America, Junction City Rotary, Junction City Chamber of Commerce, Opera House Fund raising committee, Red Cross (disaster chairman during the 1951 floods), Junction City United Way, and the Geary County Historical Society.

Bob was a member of the Masonic lodge, the Salina Consistory, the Isis Shrine, and Jesters. He received the Eagle Scout Rank in 1934 and has been active in scouting all of his life. His recognitions in scouting include Scoutmaster of Philanthropy, Heritage Society Member, James E. West Fellow, Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, Vigil honor of the Order of the Arrow, Founders Award Order of the Arrow, Wood Badge, and the Distinguished Eagle Award. Bob was known as the grandfather of Scouting in the Coronado Area Council. His intense interest in Indian Lore and Scouting created an explorer post that studied and attended Indian functions and brought the dance, regalia and customs back to the people of this area.

Memorials suggested are Shrine Children's Hospitals, First Presbyterian Church of Junction City, and the Coronado Area Council B.S.A.