Robert A. Waters

Robert Alonzo Waters was born on July 15, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Bessie O. (Wallace) and Alonzo Waters. He was the oldest of five children. Brothers Arthur, Leroy and Edward; and sister Blanche (Elaine) preceded him in death. Born one year before the Depression of 1929, Robert’s family made several moves before his mother and five children moved in with his great aunt Bess in the Old Mill Creek area in the City. This was at a time when fathers were not allowed to live in the house if their families were receiving any government assistance. In spite of the hardships, Robert acted as best as he could as a somewhat surrogate father to his younger siblings them movie fare and money for occasional treats. While in Mill Creek, it was there that he met Delores (Kates), his wife of seventy-seven years. They married when Delores was 16 years old and Robert was still 15, two months shy of his 16th birthday. To this union, seven children were born. He received his education in the St. Louis Public School System. He earned his high school diploma by attending Washington Tech High School at night under the G. I. Bill. He was a military Veteran of the Navy having served from 1946-1947. His time in the Navy took him to Japan, Okinawa, and South Korea. As a young man Robert was an avid bid-whiz player who would play with his cousin and her family for hours on the weekends. He also enjoyed watching baseball and boxing as a young man. Robert’s adult work career included employment at Donna Lo Cosmetic Co., Hazel Mgf., Book Binding Co., Monsanto Chemical Co., and McDonnell Douglas where he worked and retired from in 1993 as a Section Manager of the Graphics Dept. after 28 years of service. Robert and Delores were first members of Samuel Brown Temple AME Zion Church, Blackwell Chapel AME Zion Church, and finally St. Peters Methodist Church until Delores’ failing health no longer permitted them to attend. Having been baptized as a child, Robert expressed a desire to be baptized again when he was a mature adult. This second baptism occurred as a member of Blackwell Chapel under the leadership of Pastor Carrol Johnson. After his wife's health deteriorated to the point that she could no longer take care of herself, Robert spent countless hours caring for her until her passing in 2021. Robert departed this life on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memories: sons Robert Jr. (Yvonne), Gerald (Charlotte), and Kenneth (Mary); his daughters Barbara, Marion, Linda, and Patricia (Rodney); eleven grandchildren, several great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Robert A. Waters

July 15, 1928 - October 11, 2023