Honoring the Life and Legacy of
LtCol Stephen “Muddy” Watters, USMC (Ret.)
Obituary
Stephen “Muddy” Watters passed away suddenly on 5 March 2022 after an unexpectedly short battle with bladder cancer. He was the beloved husband of Denise and revered stepfather to Nico and Mason Pollack. He was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.
Born on May 19, 1957 in Gunnison, Colorado, Stephen was raised on the Pleasant View Ranch where he learned pure life skills and loved being a true cowboy. He attended Western State College and, after graduating in 1979, he joined the US Marine Corps and embarked on a distinguished 35-year aviation career in Electronic Warfare (EW). He flew an EA-6B Prowler, completing missions across the globe and in support of the Gulf War. He was a veteran of six deployments earning 9 Strike/Flight air medals including one for valor for actions in Desert Storm and Bosnia.
After retiring from the Marines, Muddy held industry positions and participated in several high-level EW studies for DARPA, OSD and NSA, including the 2002 Airborne Electronic Attack Analysis of Alternatives (AEA AOA) study. During the Iraq War, Muddy provided support to the Joint Staff J-65 for Counter IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) and also served as Director of the Technical Analysis Group at the Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Muddy was a strong advocate for developing a counter-RCIED strategy because he knew that EW systems could be effective at saving servicemembers’ lives.
Muddy worked for the past five years in Cyber and EW at Raytheon Advanced Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona. He was the Association of Old Crows President (2019-2020), and every EW advocate, regardless of service or of company affiliation, counted Muddy as a fighter in their ranks.
In 2005, Muddy was introduced to Denise and she knew immediately that she had found her rock, partner and soul mate. Their connection and love were instant and apparent to all who knew them. Muddy became a father to Nico and Mason, guiding them through life and showering them with love and attention. He cherished them and was so proud to call them HIS sons. After years of watching and coaching the boys in multiple sports, Muddy placed a lacrosse stick in their hands and eventually directed them to Tufts University, where they played competitively during their college years.
Muddy embraced life and said that his final mission was successfully completed by raising two respectable young men in Nico and Mason. After moving to Tucson, Arizona in 2018, Muddy and Denise picked up golf and cherished quality time and holidays with their sons on the golf course.
He enjoyed playing the guitar, trumpet, and bagpipes!, skiing, his boat, Corvettes, motorcycles, playing and watching sports, the Denver Broncos, hunting, range shooting, white water rafting, camping, and most recently golfing. There wasn’t anything that Muddy couldn’t do. He could fix anything! He could tell a great story, was a great dancer, an avid skier, unpredictable prankster and always had a joke up his sleeve. He loved sitting by his pool with his friends and family enjoying country music, a good cigar and a smooth bourbon. As one friend commented, “he was always the most interesting man in the room.”
He made everyone he encountered feel so important and special. He showed up when it mattered and had your back…your 6. He woke up everyday with a smile on his face and a kick in his step. He will be desperately missed and although we must learn to live without him, we will live with the love he has left behind. He was one of a kind and to be loved by him was to be truly blessed because Muddy loved fiercely and openly.
In addition to Denise, Nico and Mason, Muddy is survived by his mother Lois White, and sisters, Linda Karl, Brenda Kaffenberger, and Beverly Lynch (Doug). He is also survived by his nieces Michelle Leflar (CB), Lindsay Gibson (Ryan), Stefanie Sullivan (Kurt), Carrie Zimmon (Matt), Becky Wilkerson, Tiffany Bevel, Emily Eppers (RJ), and Abby Lynch, as well as his nephew Justin Kaffenberger (Jamie), great-niece Jayde Wilkerson and great-nephew Brayden Wilkerson. On Denise’s side, he is survived by mother-in-law Carmela Laughery, three sisters-in-law, Pam James, Carla Barr (Skip), and Greta Irvin (Larry), nieces Michelle and Michaela Irvin, Tara and Kristen James, and nephews Capt. Christopher Irvin (Carly), USMC, and Michael James (Ryan). All loved and were loved by Muddy.
Muddy was a believer. We know that he is in heaven, walking with Jesus and having a conversation about life. We are confident that he is on post and we feel safe under his watch. Semper Fidelis.
Muddy’s wishes were to be cremated with his ashes spread over Tomichi Dome, the family’s ranch mountain in Colorado. A Celebration of Life will be streamed live from Christian Faith Fellowship in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday, May 21, 2022 in the afternoon followed by a virtual interactive reception
Celebration of Life
Service & Reception
Recorded Saturday, May 21, 2022
You are invited to view the Celebration of Life Service & Reception honoring Muddy’s life and legacy.
Slideshow
Photo Gallery
Please Consider Donating To: AOC STEM Program
Muddy was instrumental in standing up the AOC’s STEM outreach program. He had a passion for educating young people about the critical importance of how the Electromagnetic Spectrum can be utilized to protect warfighters through the use of Electromagnetic Warfare (EW). Muddy would be so pleased to know your donations are supporting the education of the next generation of EW warriors.
Please Consider Donating To: Christian Faith Fellowship Tucson
When Muddy and Denise settled in Tucson, Arizona, they found Christian Faith Fellowship, a church that embraced their belief in Jesus. Muddy immediately resonated with the church and Pastor Dave, ultimately leading to a strong friendship transcending motorcycles, horses, Christianity, an elk hunt trip in Muddy’s Colorado hometown and more.
Muddy was truly inspirational. I always felt driven to do my best because I wanted to make him proud. He brought out the best in me and for his mentorship and friendship, I count myself doubly blessed. Thank you Muddy, for your love, life, and memories. You are absolutely one of a kind!
Thank you Mike. My heartfelt appreciation for your note. He really was one that broke the mold.
Denise
The service was just awesome and memorable of a life well-lived. Even though we knew Muddy a short time as a neighbor and friend, he was very special and will always be remembered. RIP Muddy!
What a lovely service – a great tribute to a wonderful man. RIP Muddy.
Thank you Sue. And for your lovely notes.
My sincerest condolences to you, Denise, Nico, Mason, and all the rest of the family. Take comfort in knowing that Muddy is watching over you all. Rest in peace Muddy.
Thanks Mike. I am so happy you knew Muddy.
What a beautiful celebration! We’re so grateful to have known Muddy and that he was a mentor and role model for our son and so many others. We’ve been watching with Conor and loved hearing all the wonderful stories about Muddy! Sending our love and heartfelt condolences to Denise, Nico, and Mason
Thank you for the sweet note. I am so fortunate that we all spent time together. He was so fond of Conor and both of you.
This was a very beautiful service. My deepest sympathy to Dee, Nico, Mason and all of Muddy’s family and friends. May he RIP.
Hey Lisa! Thank you for tuning in. Miss you much and love you! Wish you had met him. He would have adored you and made you laugh.
Thank you sir for your service to this country and your God. I will see you again someday. God bless those who will miss you and many He comfort them. Denise and sons you are loved. God bless,
Robyn and Roger Alvarado
Thank you my sister. You are special in my heart and I am so happy we had the time together.
A great man that I had the honor to call a friend. He was one of a kind and bigger than life !!! Our hearts go out to you Denise, Nico, and Mason. He will always be with you… And prouder than hell 🙂
You were the start of introducing us. He will remain in our hearts. Love and miss you guys!
So long Sir. Thank you for showing us what we should be in the best and worst of times.
How we wish we could have one more visit with Muddy! Though such an accompished person, which he NEVER talked about, he was always so warm and engaging. What fun he was! A bear of a guy on the outside, he was really a softie, able to relate to anyone – even our shy grandkids. To be around Muddy was to feel included. We miss you, Muddy!
Me too. Thank you for being so warm and welcoming to us. He adored you both and loved spending time with you and the kids. I will cherish our special times together.
Muddy & Cookie in the The Desert Storm Bunch – sometime in March 1991
Thanks for posting! Wow. Such a tremendous time in his life. I know he was proud to call you a friend and brother.
Muddy & Cookie returning from Desert Storm: 12 April 1991
Denise, Such a joy for Keri & I to be with you and Muddy in the very early days of your life together. One of the last MC Balls we attended in uniform. Such a joy. God Bless and keep you! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime. Boola Boola from Cookie & Keri!
I remember well. He really wanted us to meet and connect. He love you both so very much. You and Keri are the best!
I had the honor of working for Muddy for a little over a year. In that short time, I found him to be one of finest human beings I had ever met. We shared a love of aviation, skiing, football and developing some the finest defensive weapons the world has ever seen. Eventually our careers took us in separate directions. My only regret is that I did not have more time to get to know him better.
Soar High Muddy.
Thans Ed for your kind words and memories. He was a force and touched so many lives.
So sorry we are not there with you Denise. Hugs to you and the boys.
We are still at my father’s side and will visit Tucson soonest. Mary Ann and Gary
I am so sorry for your loss at the same time. Please know I am thinking of you at this time and we will share our tears and memories. Love you!
I served with Muddy in Q2/3. Many a flight hour and beverage shared. No finer Marine to be found. He was the glue that held us together. He was my mentor and friend. Semper Fi Muddy!
Thanks db for your kind words. He will be missed terribly.
Muddy – thanks for your service to our country and to our Savior Jesus Christ! See you soon!
Thanks Brad. He was a believer and faith filled.
Our paths first crossed in the RAG days at VAQ 129. One quick story…. Assigned as trainer partners they had to eventually break up up because our grades were too good. You just knew he was going places even as a young JO. You are missed. Semper Fi. Jim
LtCol, thank you for the kind words. Sounds like you both were on the same path. I love to hear the stories and am sure you had some great times.
Farewell Muddy, it was an honor to me to know you since 1983.
America lost one of her finest sons. A warrior to the end, Muddy was the real deal… dedicated family man, Colorado cowboy, Marine and all-round good guy. He faithfully wore the cloth of this great country for many years … truth is, he never really took it off. His love for family and duty to country were indelibly imprinted on his character and evidenced by his ceaseless energy to better equip his brothers and sisters still serving. It was my great privilege to work beside Muddy for these last few years. While we all miss him sorely, we should remember him for a life very well lived. Bravo Zulu Muddy. Fair Winds and Following seas. Denise, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Nico and Mason.
Thank you Roger. Your kindness and words have touched us. I am so appreciative that you were his friend. You made an impression and he cherished you. I am so fortunate that you were with me on his last day and that we spent time together these last few years. Your presence was God sent. He was the best.