Richard K Waters (Dick), age 93, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully at Willow Springs Care on December 16th, 2018. Dick was born in Hunters Ferry, WA on February 10th, 1925 to Jesse J. Waters and Violet M. Boyle.
At the age of 4, the family moved to Yakima. Dick attended Selah High School, where he met the love of his life, Shirley M. Monroe. They married on 12-30-1943 and had three daughters -- Karen, Kathy, and Kandy. Dick raised his family in the same home he grew up in, and lovingly cared for the house for more than 88 years.
At 18, Dick enlisted in the Navy where he was first stationed in Farragut, Idaho. He was later stationed on the USS Nehenta Bay (a Naval Escort Carrier) in the US Pacific Fleet in World War II. After an onboard accident, Dick was transferred to a Naval Hospital in Bremerton, WA, where he was honorably discharged in 1945.
After the Navy, Dick worked at the Donut Shop on Walnut in Yakima, WA for 20 years. In 1965, he opened his own donut business “Dick’s Donut Shop” on Nob Hill until his retirement in 1979.
Dick’s retired life was certainly busy. His days were filled with golf tournaments, trips to the casino with Shirley, caring for his “Famous Peonies” or growing tomatoes that he loved to give away more than he loved to eat.
Dick was very thankful for all that he had. He took great pride in his house and his meticulous yard. He was also a bit of a collector because he never threw anything away. His golf equipment collection could attest for that, so much so, he could have opened his own golf shop with just what he had.
Dick was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and would decorate his house every St. Patrick’s Day. At the family’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party, Dick was honored to make a toast of being the “Oldest Irishmen” in the family.
Dick is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Waters, his parents, Jesse Waters, Violet Boyle, and (stepmom) Mable Mace, his brother, Phillip Waters, his daughter, Kathy Waters and his great grandson Jeffrey Lukas.
Dick is survived by his daughters, Karen Grimsley (Jim Edgerton), Kandy Parsons (Pat Parsons), and niece Phyllis Waters. He is survived by his grandchildren, Kent (Darci) Schwartzenberger, Doug (Lisa) Schwartzenberger, Karey (Paul) Lukas, Roni (Kevin) Rivard, Kris Posey (Will Green), Josie (Todd) Hall, and Cory (Melissa) Parsons. He is also survived by 14 great grandchildren, Taylor, Ryker, Josh, Royce, Ryan, Dylan, Adam, Piper, Cody, Kaden, Drew, Nina, Lilly, and Chance.
The family would like to thank Maira, Veronica and Stephanie for helping to take care of Dick at his home. They would also like to thank Fieldstone Memory Care for helping Dick for the past year.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Rainier Memorial Center (2807 Terrace Heights Dr., Yakima, WA, 98901) on January 18th, 2019 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the VFW William Wharton Post #379.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
