Tony Waters

Tony D. Waters, 65, was born on April 1,1961, in Long Beach, California, and entered into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father following a tragic vehicle accident. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved him, his legacy of kindness, faith, humor, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Eartle Ray Waters, and mother, Helen Faye Waters, both of Hartford, Arkansas; his sister, Rosalee Meisch of Long Beach, California; and his brother, Joseph Waters of Ashdown, Arkansas.

Tony is survived by his wife, Deirdre Waters, of the home; his son, Joshua Waters, of the home; his brother, Tom Waters and wife Linda of Greenwood, Arkansas; his brother, Bruce Waters and wife Molly of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.

As a teenager, Tony moved with his family to Hartford, Arkansas, where he graduated from Hartford High School in 1979.

Tony worked at Whirlpool from 1986 to 1990, where he met the love of his life, Deirdre. The two were married on December 28, 1991, and built a life together centered on faith, family, and friendship. He then began a 34-year career with Fort Smith Public Schools. He started as a night-shift custodian at Ramsey Junior High School and soon transitioned to the day shift. He spent most of his career at Fairview Elementary School, where he became affectionately known as “Mr. Tony.” He loved his job and took great pride in serving the students, teachers, administrators, office staff, cafeteria staff, fellow custodians and maintenance staff. He retired in 2022.

In retirement, Tony stayed busy working in the yard and painting just about everything that could be painted. He enjoyed crappie fishing whenever he had the chance and spending time outdoors. Tony was also a devoted dog lover. Throughout his married life, he and his family shared their home with beloved Boxer dogs, and he treasured the companionship and joy they brought. He also enjoyed accompanying his wife on rescue dog transports, helping dogs in need find safety, care, and loving homes. He was a familiar face at Paul’s Meat Market, Yeager’s Hardware, Ollie’s, and Miguel’s Taqueria, where he made friends wherever he went.

Tony dearly loved his wife and son. He loved the beach, NASCAR, and Supercross, and over the years attended races at tracks across the country. He and Josh especially enjoyed watching sporting events together.

Most importantly, Tony loved the Lord and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He faithfully attended Harvest Time Church with his wife and son. Tony will be remembered for his kind heart, friendly smile, and unforgettable sense of humor. He loved making people laugh and never knew a stranger. He took a genuine interest in everyone he met, and his warmth and friendliness left a lasting impression on those around him. His strong work ethic, joyful spirit, and generous heart will be deeply missed by his family, friends, coworkers, and the countless students whose lives he touched as “Mr. Tony.”

Family will greet friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Edwards Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Harvest Time Church. Tony’s ashes will be interred at Hartford Memorial Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Artemis Project Rescue. Supporting dogs in need was a cause close to Tony’s heart, and this would be a meaningful way to honor his memory.

http://theartemisprojectrescue.org