Mark Preston Waters

Mark Preston Waters, lovingly known as “Curly,” passed away Thursday, June 15, at the age of 71, at Stillwater Medical Center. Mark was born and raised in Pawnee, OK. He was the only child of Rex Preston Waters and Fern Ruth (Hight) Waters, who preceded him in life.

Mark was first and foremost a cattleman and a developed rancher, followed closely by an inventor and an all-around “Mr. Fix-it.” He attended Phillips University in Enid, thinking he wanted to become a doctor and follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. But after overhearing the doctors talking about how they can’t wait to retire and own land, it was then that he decided that was what he was meant to do, and Mark never looked back. He met his eternal love, Carolyn Meinert, and they married on April 12, 1975. From that day on, they spent a beautiful 45 years, day in and night the same, raising stock, working cattle, and tending to their ranch together, where they built and loved an unmatchable life! They created one of their proudest accomplishments, an only child on September 1, 1983, Bradley Ross Waters. Mark enjoyed passing on his way of hunting and target shooting with his son and grandson in his most recent years.

His family will forever cherish his life, work partners, friends, and community that developed a relationship and had the privilege to know him and work alongside him throughout the years of his life. Please know that you all meant the world to him, and he lives inside the stories we all can tell of him.

Mark is survived by his son, Bradley “Brad” Waters, and grandson, Cadby Waters, of Concord, NC. His Uncle Roy Waters, Jr. and his wife, Martha Waters. His cousin Jack Waters Jr. and family, his brother-in-law Robert Meinert and his sister-in-law Barbara Haile.

In celebration of his life, the memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 2:00 PM at First Christian Church of Pawnee with pastor Richmond Adams followed by a graveside service at Pawnee Cemetery. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for mark at www.poteetfuneralhome.com