NMDA Journal Fall 2020

nmdental.org 25 Dr. Maurice Newton Waters, beloved husband, loving father, proud grandfather/great grandfa- ther, caring brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at the Retirement Ranch in Clovis, NewMexico, surrounded by his family, on August 1, 2020, at the age of 97. Maurice was born to Cone Johnson Waters Sr. and Mary Cornelia Lutrick in Ninnekah in Okla- homa, on February 1, 1923. He was raised in Bridgeport, Texas, where many of his lifelong attri- butes of hard-work, diligence, integrity, and strong Baptist faith were first instilled. He is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Cone Waters and wife, Marlene. He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Jean Waters; their four children and spouses: Nancy and Bill Skaggs, Sally Waters and Tom Beier, Mark and Desiree Waters, and Jack and Tammy Waters; their grandchildren: Hunter and his wife, Brooke (expecting great-grandson, Laken, in October 2020); Cameron; Caitlin; Cindy and her husband, Tate Behne; and their three great- grandchildren, Dax, Zane, and Vanna Belle. Maurice graduated fromBridgeport High School in 1940, withmany scholastic andathletic achieve- ments. His high school proclaimed himtobe, “One of the largest andbest athletes.” Following high school, he attendedNorth Texas State Teachers College inDenton, Texas, where he played football for the Eagles. InOctober 1942, Maurice left college and joined theU.S. Navy. He completedMidship- men andAmphib schools fromMarch toAugust 1944. OnDecember 4, 1944, he officially became a Skipper of the LCT 1350 (LandingCraft Tank). In January 1945, hewas assigned Skipper of the LCT 831 during Pearl Harbor, where he fought inWorldWar II. He commandeda crewof 12 on an amphibious craft capable of carrying six 33-ton Sherman tanks, andwas responsible for transporting equipment and troops returning frombattle. He served in theNavy from 1942–1946 andbefore his honorable dis- charge, was awarded Lieutenant JG (Junior Grade) for hismeritorious contribution during thewar. On June 5, 1946, he returned to college at North Texas, where he decided to pursue a career in dentistry. He attended Baylor University College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. During dental school, Maurice met his future wife on a blind date, and on June 5, 1949, they wed before his den- tal school graduation in March 1950. He began his dental career in Ft. Worth, Texas before mov- ing to Clovis, NewMexico with his wife, Jean, and daughter, Nancy. Dr. Maurice led a fulfilling 63-year long career as a general dentist providing valuable dental care to the people of Clovis and surrounding areas. Dr. Maurice and his son Dr. Mark Waters provided family dentistry together in Clovis, NewMexico until Maurice retired at the age of 90. Additionally, he was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association and the NewMexico Dental Association. Maurice's commitment to education and compassion for his patients and family, were vital to the legacy he left behind. He inspired his two children, Dr. Sally and Dr. Mark Waters, and two grandchildren, Dr. Cameron and Dr. Caitlin Waters, to all pursue careers in dentistry. Additionally, his son Dr. Jack Waters, pursued a career in chiropractic. His eldest daughter, Nancy, worked as a graphic designer in education. His grandson, Hunter, has an active career as a petro- leum engineer and his granddaughter, Cindy, works as an elementary school educator. More than anything, Maurice was a devoted family man. He always knew how to make others laugh and was never seen without a big smile on his face. He loved many activities, such as driv- ing around in his car, sightseeing, dancing, flying his airplane, golfing with his buddies, quail hunting, playing cards, going to the lake, fishing, and water skiing into his 80's. However, his favorite activity was spending time with family and friends. Maurice lived an exemplary life andwas loved bymany. His relationshipwith the Lordwas reflected through his love of family, devotion to his friends, fellowship at the First Presbyterian Church, and men's bible study. His family hopes that those who knew himand loved him, will find comfort know- ing that his body is now fully restored and he is rejoicing in the presence of his Savior. The Waters family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff, caretakers, nurses, and physicians at the Kindred Hospice, Retirement Ranch, and Wheatfields Senior Living Community over the past five years. Thank you to our family and friends for prayers, meals, and visits during this time. If anyone would like to contribute in his name, please send it to Matt 25 Hope Center. Dr. Maurice Newton Waters February 1, 1923–August 1, 2020