Dr. Dean Gale Waters

Dr. Dean Gale Waters passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, and entered his heavenly home. Born on January 28, 1932, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Colletta Alice Waters and Rolland Hayes Waters, Gale spent his childhood on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville.

Gale earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University before specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. During his internship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, he met Gwendolyn Elaine Robertson, who became his beloved wife. Gale and Gwen married on December 29, 1956, and shared a life devoted to family, faith, service, and one another.

Gale is survived by his four children: Deané (David) Fenstermaker, Phil Waters, Robin (Karol) Poderski, and Dawn (David) Fellows. Affectionately known as "Daddy Gale," he is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Grace Gayle, Raymond Ward, and Sydney Elaine Fenstermaker; Karolina A. Poderski Crockett (Sam); Aleksander Czeslaw Poderski (Bailey); Apita E. Waters Ramirez (Adrian); Caitlin Ku'umele Souza; and Til J. Fellows LeFebvre (Dylan).

Gale found great joy in his seven young great-grandchildren: Peter Aleksander, Emma Colletta, Luke Hyrum, and Ava Helena Crockett; David Michael and Dean Ray LeFebvre; and Bonnie Rose Poderski. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gwen, and his cherished daughter-in-law, Maria Magdalena Apit Waters.

Before moving to Winter Haven and later to Haines City, Florida, Gale made his home in Mount Airy, North Carolina, where he built a rich and fulfilling life. For more than three decades, he cared for generations of families as an obstetrician and gynecologist. He treasured the privilege of welcoming new life into the world and the joy his work brought to others.

Beyond medicine, Gale was an avid bridge player and belonged to two couples’ bridge clubs. He was deeply engaged in the lives of his four children, a devoted member of the United Methodist Church, and, whenever his medical practice allowed, an enthusiastic golfer.

After moving to Florida, Gale quickly became involved with First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven. He traveled to Honduras on multiple church mission trips, participated in the church’s book club, and continued to enjoy bridge and golf several times each week.

Gale will be remembered for the lives he welcomed into the world, the faith he lived, the service he rendered, and the love he gave so generously to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral Service:

Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church

637 6th Street NW, Winter Haven, Florida 33881

Inurnment will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Memorial Garden.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven.