Darryl Lewis “Jake” Waters, 76, of Stet, died Friday, July 30, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Jake was born on May 12, 1945, in Norborne, the son of James Isaac and Ruby Mae (Davis) Waters.  He was united in marriage to Carol Elaine Hawkins of Stet on June 23, 1962; she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: three sons, Jerry (Jonetta) Waters of Stet, Steve (Leslie) Waters of Kansas City, and  Paul (Kimberly) Waters of Paola, KS; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Zach) Stith, Joshua (Erin) Waters, Danielle (Tyler) Roesing, Holly (James Doyle) Waters, Erik (Milea) Waters, Sydni Waters, Brooke (Daniel) Clark, Luke Mathews, and Hannah Mathews; eleven great grandchildren, Caleb Stith, Dillon Oyler, Finley Waters, Lillian Waters, Tristan Roesing, Haylee Doyle, Kye Doyle, Brystal Clark, Laney Clark, Jaxton Mathews, and Landon Mathews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, James A. Waters and Jerold Waters, and sister, Judith Craven.

Jake was reared and educated around the area of this birth.  First attending Roads Country School then attending Stet School.  After high school, he worked with his father building homes.  Jake retired as supervisor for the Ray County Road and Bridge District.  After retiring from the Ray County Road and Bridge District he got more into farming.  He also owned and operated Waters Farms Trucking Company.  One of the Waters family passions is for antique tractor pulling with four generations participating.  The Waters family is well known in the area for their musical talents from singing at funerals, weddings, churches, and other local celebrations. “Music has always been a family affair.”  When mom and the boys all sang together, they were known as Jake Waters and the Drips.  Jake was a member of the Stet Volunteer Fire Department and the Stet Poker Club.  Jake was known as a very wise man who helped many area families.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Bethany Church of the Brethren, Wakenda Cemetery, or Stet Fire Department.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Wakenda Cemetery north of Hardin.  Please remember to share your memories of Jake with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.