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.
I’m sorry to miss your day of honor for Muddy. My condolences to you and your family.
Thank you Kola. I wish you had spent time with him. You would have been charmed.
Muddy was 100% committed to winning and saving lives. I served with him during the counter RCIED fight in the early years of OIF and he never gave up on ensuring the best gear was in the field. Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen…he cared about them all. Rest in peace, we have the watch.
Thank you Nascar. He was a force and so committed to serving. God bless.
A Great man, I served under him when he was a Captain in VMAQ-s back in the 80’s. He always looked out for his troops and was respected by every one of us. He would go the extra mile to make sure we were taken care of. Semper Fi and God Bless!
Thank you Duke for the kind words. I had the pleasure of seeing him in action after he retired, but he continued the legacy personally as well as professionally.
A true hero, gentleman and presence in this world. Rest In Peace Muddy.
Thank you Andrea for the kind words. Very accurate about my love.
Muddy was remarkable in many ways but I will remember him for his loyalty, courage, integrity, and living life to the fullest. RIP Muddy. You truly made a difference.
Thank you Dodie for the kind words. He would be proud.
Let’s talk Maintenance Officer and CO. He walked the walk, and dang it did he have some great ideas. Nose Art for one. Always trying to motivate his Maintainers. He worked to make our team a family, and he succeeded. He gave you the sense that he cared about you, and the reason why was that he did. Moondog weekend!
Thank you for the kind words. He was a spitfire and he really was a special presence and inspiration to whoever he met.
I met Muddy as a junior flight surgeon at MAG-14, and he was an awesome Marine, aviator an influence on a young Naval officer. He seemed be have a baseline calm confidence that could be cranked up when the need arose. There was something about him that made you want to do better at whatever it was you were doing. My parents met him one time when they came to visit! And my Dad (former Navy PK2), said when he met Muddy, “Now he’s that’s what comes to mind of when you think ‘Marine’”. I agree. Fair winds Muddy
Thank you for the kind words. He really made an impact and inspired everyone around him…even me as his wife. I was fortunate to love …and be loved by him the past 17 years.
Muddy will be truly missed by family, friends and colleagues alike. There are many, many superlatives to describe him, but somehow they are only the tip of the iceberg as to doing justice to his life and legacy. I first met Muddy in the early months of the AEA AOA back in 2000, and have great memories of working with him ever since — whether EW studies or the AOC Board of Directors. I think of many attributes regarding Muddy — his Passion (for the community), his Integrity (for always doing the right thing), his Perseverance (never giving up on his goals and vision), his Infectious Personality (almost a glowing, positive light around him) — and of course, that welcoming, big grin of his!! May Muddy rest in peace.
Thank you Dave. He was always contagious with his smile! He appreciated you and all the support you provided to him. You were one of his favorites. Your words are so thoughtful and very accurate. He was a true warrior and gentleman.
Muddy was a man of integrity and kindness. He was also a Marine’s Marine. He was scary smart and eloquent. He was solid. A voice of reason. I miss him.
Thank you for the kind memory. He was a force and so very intense, but a gentle soul and loving man. I miss him terribly too.
Served on the AOC board with Muddy. He was always upbeat, always willing to lend a helping hand. He dealt cared deeply about the association and it was a pleasure to have gotten to know him. Until we all met again in our Father’s house. . . .
Thank you Sharon for the note. He was a gentleman and so kind.
Steve (“Muddy”) and I were in the same OCS and TBS class in 1979-80. In some ways, it seems like 43 years ago, yet in other ways, it seems like yesterday. I remember Muddy as one of the really good guys – always had a smile and a friendly word. I am so sorry for your loss Denise, Nico and Mason. I truly wish our paths would have crossed at some point. I am so comforted to know that Muddy had put his trust in Jesus. We’ll have an eternity to insure our paths do cross. May our God provide you comfort through the assurance of eternal life with Jesus.
Thank you for the note Steven. He had a wonderful life, just cut short. God bless. We will see him again I am sure.
Muddy will remain one of a kind in my memory but his life lives on through the many people he has affected with his selfless service, optimism, and dedication. Still, he will be sorely missed by friends and colleagues alike. Semper Fidelis!
Thank you for the kind words. He was so loved and respected. I know he is proud of the legacy he left with us.
I was lucky enough to meet Muddy on a night he and Denise generously opened their home to me and a few other Make-A-Wish volunteers and allowed us to use their kitchen for an on-line livestream dinner party. At first glance he was a big imposing figure but Muddy was a kind hearted caring man. I only had a few more opportunities to socialize with him and I regret I didn’t make more happen. It seems I missed out on getting to know a truly great man better. It is my loss and a lesson learned. My condolences to his family and colleagues. He’ll be greatly missed.
Thank you Dominic. He was a force and loving gentle soul. A true family man. I am fortunate to have loved…and been loved by him.
My condolences to the family. I met Muddy in 2005 working on the Warlock program at JIEDDO. He mentored me and was a great supporter in my growing up in the EW world.
He will be greatly missed but the world was made a better place because of him. He will always be in my heart and mind.
Semper Fi
Thank you Chuck. He loved that job and making a difference. His heart was always trying to protect our warriors. Your words are kind.
I’m deeply sorry to learn of the passing of one of the legendary figures of military electronic warfare. We in the Electronic Warfare community and in our entire nation are much the worse for the loss of this intellectually brilliant and physically brave electronic warrior. Many of our fellow citizens perhaps do not understand how important was Muddy’s work in our field. But there will be MANY future warriors in the air and on the ground who will survive and come home to their families because of his incredible efforts. God Bess You, Muddy.
Thank you for these kind words. He would be so very proud. He didn’t talk about his work much, but when he could, he shared some of the impact he was trying to make and the protection of our troops. It always made me proud too!
Honored to have crossed paths with Muddy and a better man for it. He always had time for a chat, to help or just sit and listen. Godspeed to you friend.
He talked highly about you Dino. Thank you for the kind note.
There are so many superlatives that one could associate with Muddy; kind, generous, caring, understanding, passionate………Above all he was a nice person to know and the world is a better place because of his life. His belief in introducing young people to STEM is one of his many lasting legacies and I had the privilege of working with Muddy, through the AOC, on two STEM events and witnessing first hand his dream and passion to help young people achieve their future. Muddy’s loss will be felt by the EW community world-wide where he was much admired and revered. My thoughts at this time are with Denise and family and friends at this very sad time. RIP Muddy, I salute you! David S
Thank you for this tribute David. He would be so proud. Your comments were touching and comforting. Thanks for streaming!
I was shocked and saddened when I received a text that Muddy had passed. Muddy was a fellow aviator, EW advocate and professional, and friend. He will be sorely missed by the Association of Old Crows (AOC) and his EW/EMSO brothers and sisters. He was the consummate EW leader, and I am honored to have followed him as the AOC President. Our thoughts and prayers are with Denise and the family during this time of loss and grief. Powder
Thank you Powder for the comments. He was so proud to be AOC President and making an impact. I am also so appreciative that you named the AOC Stem program in his name. That is truly an honor he would have loved and cherished.
Muddy was such an amazing person. A blast to work with and an honor to call a friend. I have never seen an individual influence and orient a community more than Muddy did for the EW/Spectrum domain. People naturally gravitated toward him and always followed his recommendations and guidance. I truly have never seen this out of any other Military, Government or scientific individual ever. He was the total “Real Deal” He was the hardest working person I ever saw as well. Over our 8 years of working together, he would get really sick once a year because he simply worked so hard and through any condition. But most of all Muddy was such a fun and interesting guy. Warm, caring, funny, motivated and truly inspirational. I would be lying if I did not say that Muddy had a profound impact on my life. He made me a better person for knowing him. I loved him like a “True” brother in arms and service. As a fellow Marine, I can say Muddy without a doubt set the standard for all Marines. To Denise and the boys, I am so sorry for your loss and hope you are comforted by the amazing life you all had with Muddy. Semper Fidelis, Gumby
Evan. Your words are so touching. Thank you for reaching out to me. He loved you and will remain in our hearts forever. He truly was a gentleman, warrior, friend and loving family man. I miss him terribly. The memories will be lasting and comforting.
When I heard the news, my heart dropped. I was honored to have known Muddy, a selfless, generous man who did everything by thinking of others and always with grace. My family was lucky enough to have spent time with Muddy, and we were all in awe of his accomplishments. Denise, we send you, Nico, and Mason our love and thoughts.
Thank you Jill for your kind words. I know you are suffering a loss too and am comforted that Peter and Muddy are once again chatting in heaven. Love to you and Jane too. #lovelikemuddy