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WWII Veteran Leaves Behind Legacy

WAYMART — Folks in Wayne County will pay their last respects Wednesday to a man who fought in World War II, then returned home to be a pillar of the commu...

WAYMART -- Folks in Wayne County will pay their last respects Wednesday to a man who fought in World War II, then returned home to be a pillar of the community.

George Waters Sr. passed away Sunday at 89.

Two dozen American flags blow in the breeze in the center of downtown Waymart. They've flown outside the Waters' home on holidays and now, in memory of World War II veteran George Waters.

Waters passed away over the weekend after a long illness.

His sons have photos of their dad during his time in the Army, a corporal who fought at the Battle of the Bulge.

"His group was attached to Patton's group. They were in the middle of the fight there. It wasn't a good time. Guess they had a rough way to go," said George Waters Jr.

Waters was injured twice serving in World War II, then came home to his hometown of Waymart. His family said he was instrumental in getting a lot of things started including Wayside Park, but that wasn't all.

"He was a teacher, principal, civic guy, did a lot of stuff in town here. He helped form the ambulance corps, was a charter member of Legion," added Waters.

The flag at the American Legion is at half-staff in honor of Waters who answered the call and by all accounts, continued to do it when he returned home.

"They were called at a very young age to go in," said Legion Post Commander George Schaffer. "Then they came home, started education, jobs, family."

When it came to sharing that experience with his family, Waters' sons said it wasn't until years later he talked about it. But they know, and now Waymart knows, how Waters' life was spent serving his country.

"It's one of those deals, you know he left a better world than he came into it," said his son, George.

George Waters was 89 and will be laid to rest Wednesday with full military honors.

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