Leonard Waters

Leonard Wayne Waters, 81, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 18, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his wife and family.

Leonard was born December 12, 1935, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to William Henry Waters and Hannah Nield Waters. He grew up and attended schools in Ucon and graduated from Bonneville High School. He also attended LaSalle University where he earned a degree in business management.

On April 13, 1956, he married DeeOn Brown in Clark, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. To this union were born five children, Melody, Kathy, Michelle, Kristy, and Brett. Leonard and DeeOn made their home in Ammon, Idaho. Leonard worked in the potato industry for over 35 years at the management level. With his knowledge of potato flake production, he was instrumental in implementing the potato flake production in the Blackfoot plant of Basic American Foods.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in several callings, his favorite being ward clerk. Leonard loved to fish and the only person who could out-fish him was his father. Leonard enjoyed playing and watching baseball along with being an avid Atlanta Braves and Utah Jazz fan. He enjoyed popping popcorn for his family every Sunday evening. He was the local BARC president for 25 years advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Leonard helped start a Scouting group for special needs adults.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, DeeOn Waters of Ammon, ID; daughter, Melody (Glen) Cook of Salt Lake City, UT; daughter, Kathy West of Ammon, ID; daughter, Kristy Waters Arutyunova of Ammon, ID; son, Brett (Suzanne) Waters of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Louise Wallace of Coalville, UT; sister, Nita Arnold of Pocatello, ID; sister, Lucille Still of Twin Falls, ID; brother, Wallace (Pam) Waters of Latimer, MS; sister, Connie (Jon) Braisted of Leeds, UT; 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a special needs daughter, Michelle Dawn Waters, sister, Florence Woolf, brother, Lawrence Waters, brother, Harold Waters, sister, Helen Waddell and two infant siblings.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Avalon Home Health and Hospice for their loving care to Leonard.

Leonard was one of the most kind, generous, humorous gentle giants to walk this earth. He rejoiced in serving others, especially serving his wife and family. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2017, at the Ammon LDS 18th Ward, 4363 East 17th Street, with Bishop Brian Call officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Milo Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held