Frank Waters
1918-Jan. 16, 2008
Menlo Park, California

Frank Waters, a retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corp, died at his Menlo Park home, with his family at his side, Jan. 16 after a brief illness. He was 90.

Mr. Waters was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee, where he was an ROTC student. He was also a competitive swimmer and held a number of swimming records. After graduating in 1940, he joined the Marine Corps as an officer.

He served throughout World War II, first in the Atlantic on board the USS New York, and later in the Pacific, where he took part in the battle of Iwo Jima and was wounded in action.

In 1948 Mr. Waters married a young war widow, Margaret "Peggy" Farrel, and became father to 4-year-old Bill. During the Korean War, Mr. Waters served as liaison officer between the First Marine Division and the 10th Army Corps. Following the war, the family lived in several locations, including North Carolina, Virginia, San Diego and Hawaii.

His final tour of duty was as professor of naval science at Stanford University from 1962 to 1964. At that time the Waterses moved to Menlo Park's Felton Gables neighborhood. In 1964 Mr. Waters began an 18-year second career as deputy director of the Golden Gate chapter of the American Red Cross in San Francisco. He was prominent in fundraising for the Red Cross and the United Way, and took part in many Red Cross field activities.

During retirement, the Waterses traveled, enjoyed their dachshunds and socialized with family and friends, say family members. He played tennis for many years and was an avid bridge player. Mr. Waters was active for many years in the Peninsula Kiwanis Club and Sons in Retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Peggy; son Bill Farrel; and two grandsons.

Tags: veteran, teacher/educator, public service