Thomas Alfred Waters

Thomas “Tom” Alfred Waters—a friend of many—died unexpectedly at his home on October 8, 2022, at the age of 81 in Albuquerque, NM. Tom was born to Cecil D. and Lexie R. Waters in Harlingen, Texas. Tom had two brothers, Don and Pat Waters, and is survived by his sister, Ina Brown, and many nieces and nephews. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas, and his master’s degree in political science from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Professor Waters began teaching political science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the spring of 1966 and taught nearly every political science course available at the university. Students benefited from his vast knowledge of history and politics, as well as from his dry wit. In 2001 he received the Teaching Excellence Award. While teaching, he was active in supporting student organizations. Tom served his local community, including over 20 years on the Grant County Board of Supervisors. His interests were eclectic and included collecting gems and traveling the world with friends. Professor Waters retired in 2006 and moved to New Mexico.

Tom was an intelligent and independent man. He cared greatly about his freedom and never wanted to ask for help even if he needed it. As his Parkinson’s disease progressed, he found comfort in his friends and confidence in their help, sometimes asking for rides to gatherings or doctor appointments. His love for his friends was apparent and he often spoke of them. Regularly, he would ask a friend for a good story and would point out when it was one that he had already been told. He would gather with several different groups of friends, including the Prime Timers for breakfast on most Saturdays and a group of friends from a car club on Sundays, and attended many of the car club events, driving his bright yellow Ford F150 Boss Edition truck.

His adventurous spirit led him to continue to be a world traveler, and he never stopped seeking new experiences. He often returned with a new ring or piece of jewelry or a beautiful stone for his collection. When he was home, he watched tv and was delighted when he found out he could watch four football games at once, though he always kept the sound off. Among his favorite shows were award shows: Oscars, Emmys, and any number of others. He is loved and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research ( https://www.michaeljfox.org/ ) or the Essential Tremor Foundation of America ( https://essentialtremor.org/ ).