John D McWaters

CWO4 (Ret) John Douglas McWaters, 69 years old, passed away on April 5, 2020. He was born in Schwetzingen, Germany, on April 26, 1950. He joined the Army upon graduating high school, serving with honor and distinction for 26 years, retiring at Fort Hood, Texas, as a CWO4 in 1995. He was a Vietnam War veteran (1970-1971), piloting AH-1G Cobra and UH-1 Iroquois helicopters, and later fixed wing aircraft. He earned many awards during his time in service, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Master Army Aviator Badge. After his Army retirement, he taught Air Force pilot candidates at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas, for 19 years before retiring from that profession. He held a master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University.

John married his first wife, Melanie in 1972. They were married until her passing in 2007. He married Ada Pitts in 2008. John was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Copperas Cove, Texas. John was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

John was proceeded in death by his wife, Melanie, father Louis McWaters and mother Carola McWaters. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Ada, of Copperas Cove, Texas and two sons Nathaniel McWaters of Belton, Texas, Adam McWaters and wife Jessica, of Austin, Texas; SiNae Pitts of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Michelle Simkonis and husband Paul of Woodbridge, Virginia, Richard Pitts and wife Elizabeth of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Sarah Cohen and husband Joshua of Woodbridge, Virginia; grandchildren Matthew Simkonis, Isaac McWaters, William Pitts and Lorne Brill; his sister Andrea Douglas of Blythewood, South Carolina, and brother Gregory McWaters of Killeen, Texas.

Services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church followed by interment services at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetary in Killeen, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of John McWaters to Grace United Church, 101 West Ave F, Copperas Cove, Texas. 76522.