Roger D. Waters

Roger D. Waters, age 72, of Mount Vernon, Ind., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 6, 2026. He was born on March 2 (or 3, according to who you ask), 1954, to Cecil Sr. and Martha Waters.

He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 43 years, Synda (Cox) Waters; his very lucky two “baby girls” who think he hung the moon, Savannah (David) Axley and Janelle (Jordan) Burton; his three grandchildren, who were his whole world, Mason and Kenadee Axley and Jailyn Burton; adoptive granddaughter and DQ Buddy, Miriam Espinosa; along with a handful of others who thought of him as an adopted grandparent; nieces and nephews, Mark Rhoads, Susan (Aaron) Tucker, Bryan (Janelle) and Robert (Sandy) Waters.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, including Linda Rhoads and Walter Waters, and his nephew, David Rhoads.

Roger was a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon. He loved this community and served it well. He began his career in public service as a volunteer firefighter, where he quickly realized his passion. In 1977, he became a full-time firefighter, eventually becoming the Fire Chief until his retirement in 2011. In recognition of his service, July 9 was formally declared Roger Waters’ Day, and he was awarded a Key to the City of Mount Vernon.

In 2005, Roger had the privilege of going to Louisiana to assist with housing for victims of Hurricane Katrina. He made lifelong friends there, as he did everywhere he went.

Upon retirement, he continued to mentor others in public service, as well as taking on his favorite role as Papaw. He was his grandkids’ biggest fan, taxi driver, advice giver, hugger, and jokester. He also had more time to spend with his loving wife, going antique shopping and traveling.

He found simple joy in riding around on his golf cart, taking in the sights, and enjoying the company of those he loved. Those peaceful rides and the memories made along the way will be cherished by all those he visited, chatted with, let ride along, or even drive.

Roger was always just a phone call away to his family and friends. He would drop whatever he had going on to help those he loved. He was a lighthearted soul and never took life too seriously. We will all struggle to fill the void left by his absence. However, we know his memories will always be with us.

He was a true hero to the community, but especially to his family.

The family would like to thank the Mount Vernon Fire Department and Posey County EMS for their assistance, as well as the Oeth and Bourne families.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics of Posey County—an organization his late nephew loved deeply.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Denning Family Funeral Home, with burial following in Union Ridge Cemetery in Harold, Ill. Visitation took place from 4 until 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the funeral home, and again from 10 a.m. until service time on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at denningfamilyfuneralhome.com.