Mr. Robert Theodore Waters

He taught his children and grandchildren to love nature, played with them in the woods, and built tree houses and forts. He maintained a playfulness and sense of humor throughout his whole life. He was willing to do whatever it took to make people happy even if it meant reading the same book over and over and over again.

Robert was always excited to learn and share new ideas and new perspectives, expanding his knowledge and understanding of the universe and humanity. He visited every continent (except Antarctica) more than once. In addition to English, he spoke Arabic, French, and German. Claims that he spoke Spanish may be exaggerated. He earned a master’s degree in Arab Studies from the American University of Beirut and a second in master’s degree Education, with a concentration in Psychology from Bowie State University.

While a Captain in the U.S. Marines, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Heroism for actions during rescue operations in Agadir, Morocco, in March 1960 after a devastating earthquake. He risked his life, tunneling into the torn and twisted masonry with just a wrecking bar and flashlight, completely out of sight of his fellow workers, rescuing a person who had been trapped for more than 24 hours. https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/204822

His selflessness and willingness to help others at any cost was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren.

He served a combined fifty years for the Federal Government in both the Marine Corps and the Defense Department.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Helen C. (Dolch) Waters and Franklyn H. Waters; first wife, Eileen (Dolch) Waters, and their son, Daniel C. “Danny” Waters, who will all lovingly welcome him into the next life.

Robert leaves behind family and countless friends who loved him dearly. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Laura, and his children, Mary (Waters) Stevens (Kevin); Catherine Waters (Martin Lutsky); Michael Waters (Kate); Anna (Petroff) Freidhoff (Aaron); grandchildren Emily (Stevens) Yazawa (Bryan); Sarah Stevens; Claire Stevens; Jenn (Lutsky) Armstrong (Mike); James Waters (Claudia); Gavin Waters; Kesari Petroff; Alexxis Freidhoff; and Kaia Freidhoff. And great-grandchildren Miranda, Rosemary, and Isaiah Yazawa; Avery, Cooper, and Emerson Armstrong; and Lyra Rose Waters. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Lawrence Wilson (Joanne) and his sister Kathleen (Cremeans) Van Adder, her grandson Richard Jackman; and several nieces, their spouses and children.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, Inc., 7250 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD 21075 (exit 6 south off Rt. 100) on Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 10:00 am till the start of the Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 12:00 noon. His Inurnment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA where Lt. Colonel Waters will receive Full Military Honors.