Deacon Leon W. Waters Sr.

Deacon Leon Wardell Waters was born on February 18, 1934, in Cuba, Alabama, to the late Beatrice J. Davis and Peter “Thomas” Larkin. He was one of several siblings: Joe Larkin, Marilyn Ingram (James, deceased), Celo P. Williams (Jerome, deceased), Randall Larkin (Debra, both deceased), Bertha Larkin, Herbert Larkin (Marie), Esther Clements (Brady, deceased), Shirley Larkin Warrens (Ronnie, both deceased), and James K. and Earnest Waters (both deceased), they were raised with him in Cuba, Alabama; in-laws, Mary and Samuel Pogue (both deceased), Walter, deceased (Dorthy), Janie (Tyrone), Barbara, deceased (Charles), Wilhelmina (Jessie), Kirk (Phyllis, both deceased), Delores (Stanley, deceased), Reggie, Jackie (Amy), and Belinda (Chicago, deceased).

At an early age, Deacon Waters accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at Grant Chapel C.M.E. Church in Cuba, Alabama. He later graduated from Kinterbish Public Schools.

After leaving Cuba, Alabama, Deacon Waters moved to Cleveland, Ohio with family. Later, his uncle, Ike Larkin of Cincinnati, Ohio, invited him to come to Cincinnati to live with him and his family. There, Deacon Waters was warmly welcomed and loved as one of their own.

Deacon Waters later met and married his devoted wife, Rev. Waters, and together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage. From this loving union, they were blessed with five children: Leon N. Waters, Diane Waters Teel (Richard), Anthony Waters (Elizabeth), and twins Lonnie Waters and Ronnie Waters.

He was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren, Tiara Smith, Wendell Waters, Jaron Waters, Dannon Lumpkins, Francesca Teel, Romella Teel, Richard D. Teel, Jr., Lionel Waters, Joshua Waters (deceased), Matthew Waters, Peter Waters, Anthony Waters Jr., Quinton Waters, and Dwon Smith 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Joshua Waters.

As a young man eager to learn and develop his skills, Deacon Waters pursued education and training in the automotive field. He attended the University of Cincinnati, Sinclair Community College, and later Temple Bible College alongside his son, Lonnie Waters. He also participated in several enrichment courses to enhance his automotive skills and earned his Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification.

Deacon Waters became the only minority mechanic at Queen City Chevrolet. During this time, he was drafted into the United States Army and faithfully served his country.

After completing his military service, Deacon Waters began a long and impactful career with Great Oaks Joint Vocational School District as an Automotive Technical Instructor. He dedicated 23 years to teaching and mentoring students in the automotive trade. Even after retiring, he continued serving the district as a substitute teacher for an additional 10 years.

On May 20, 1989, Deacon Waters was ordained as a Deacon at Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church. He faithfully served as Sunday School Superintendent until his health prevented him from continuing. He was deeply committed to serving both the church and the community. Deacon Waters operated the church soup kitchen, collected food donations for members and the surrounding community, and helped organize the purchase and distribution of Thanksgiving dinners for families within the church and throughout the downtown community.

Deacon Leon W. Waters leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith, service, and love for family and community. He was a man who believed in helping others, teaching the next generation, and living according to God’s word. Through his work as an educator, mechanic, church leader, and community servant, he touched countless lives.

His wisdom, kindness, infectious smile, and dedication will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the blessing of knowing him. Though he will be deeply missed, his life stands as a lasting example of faith, hard work, and compassion that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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