USAF ROTORHEAD Members

NO BIO HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THIS MEMBER

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Donald James Waters, SMSgt., USAF (Retired)
September 16, 1927 – September 28, 2009

SMSgt (Ret) DONALD JAMES WATERS passed away Monday, September 28, 2009. He was born in Somerville, NJ. on September 16, 1927, but lived in Plainfield, NJ. where he graduated from Plainfield High School class of 1945.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during his senior year at PHS. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1947. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1947 and served in the Air Force until his retirement on January 1, 1971. At the time of his retirement he was the Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent in the 3250th Flying Training Squadron (T-38) at Tyndall AFB, Florida. He was awarded his second Air Force Commendation Medal at the time of his retirement. He saw service in Japan, Korea, Labrador, Canada, Thailand, France, and England. His awards included American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal (two battle stars), United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal with 5 loops, Expert Marksman Ribbon, NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, and the Enlisted Aircrew Member Badge.

In addition to his military accomplishments, Don was a commercial pilot, flight instructor with single engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings. He also was an FAA licensed mechanic. While stationed at Tyndall AFB he managed the Tyndall Aero Club on two separate occasions.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Hood Waters of Enterprise, Alabama; a daughter, Carol Jean Durborow of Joelton, Tennessee, two granddaughters, SSgt. Shawna Lee Durborow, USMC, Camp Pendleton, California and Jennifer Lynn Anderson (Levi) of Ashland City, Tennessee. He is also survived by one sister, Lucille Nowik of Warren, NJ., a nephew, Dennis R. Crook (Carol)of Southern Pines, NC.; one niece, Linda Costanzo of Warren, NJ.; dear friends, Jimmy, Jan and Brandon Bailey of Madison, Mississippi; best of friends, Deborah and James Vinson and family of Southport, Florida. He was preceded in death by Carol’s mother, Leila Mishoe Waters.

The family would like to thank Mrs. LaJoyce Flagg and Mrs. Pam Toulliver for the special love and care they so willingly gave to Don.

Don was a faithful member of Enterprise First United Methodist Church and the Harbourlites Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, South Main and Chancey Streets, Enterprise, Alabama 36330.

Graveside memorial service, with full military honors, will be held at Meadowlawn Memorial Park, Enterprise, Alabama on October 8, 2009 at 11:00 A.M.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

Peggy,
Although you and I have never met, Don was a friend and a genuinely nice guy even though as another said, he did have cause to chew me out at one time or another while we were stationed together at Pease in 1961-62. Don and I did have occassion to speak on the phone several times in the last few years and I will miss him. Ken Frautchi first and now Don. Damn, the good guys do go first.
I wish you all good things from now on and hope that you can muster the strength to…
John Dorgan
October 02, 2009 | Tucson, AZ

I share your sadness at this moment. I was with Don in France and England. We had many good times together. I remember when he reamed me out But could not hold back his grin because he presented me my promotion. We always relived that moment. You have my deepest thoughts and prayers.
Harvey Meltzer
October 02, 2009 | Benbrook, TX

For a man that served his country through desire and dedication I leve you with this: May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet agin may God hold you all in the palm of his hand.
Joe Fiorillo USN E9 Retired (USAF E6 1964-1971)
Joe Fiorillo
October 02, 2009 | DC

Peggy,
While I never had the pleasure of knowing Don personally I feel like I knew him because of our common helicopter and Air Force family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Vicki Runninger
Robert Runninger
October 02, 2009 | Lake Panasoffkee, FL

Peggy,
My deepest sympathy. Don served our county with honor and pride as part of the USAF helicopter family. Don was a fellow member of our USAF RotorHeads group and will be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jim Burns, SMSgt, USAF (retired)
September 30, 2009 | FL

Peggy, I was so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jan (Smoky’s oldest daughter)
Jan Holcombe
September 29, 2009 | Magnolia, TX

Mrs Peggy,
So sorry to hear about Mr. Don. Mom called to tell me today. Will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Katy
(Smoky’s daughter)
Katy Brabham Burgess
September 29, 2009 | Lake Charles, LA