Kenneth L. Waters

Kenneth L. Waters, 84, of Topeka, passed away on March 30, 2026. He was born November 19, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri. His parents were Laurence Y. and Esther I. (Anderson) Waters.

His family moved to Topeka, where Ken graduated from Seaman High School in 1959. He later graduated from Washburn University in 1964. He lived in Wichita for several years before returning to Topeka in 1969.

He was married to Sharon (Fuller) McCain on December 23, 1981. She survives.

For the majority of his career, Ken was an IT Manager for the Kansas Department of Revenue. He was a member of the Shawnee Yacht Club. Ken and Sharon's love of sailing and the camaraderie of the yacht club members built lasting friendships, even when their sailing days were over. Ken then turned to a new interest, trading the water for land with the Flatlanders Jeep Club. He enjoyed off-roading and camping with other Jeep enthusiasts in some of the most beautiful parts of the country, creating equally lasting friendships in the club.

One of Ken and Sharon's greatest accomplishments was the house they designed and built together on 10 acres in North Topeka. They lived there for 34 years. Their home was a hub of countless gatherings with friends and family during holidays and parties.

Ken was also a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Other survivors include his stepchildren, Leslie Shannon McCain (Mary Elwell), Anne-Kelly McCain Sauer (Matt), and William Grady McCain; five grandchildren, Dustin Ledbetter, Garrett Ledbetter, Cassi McCain, Gracie McCain, and Sierra McCain, and one great-grandchild, Clara Christensen. Also surviving are a nephew, Steve Waters, and a niece, Stacy (Waters) Knutson, and their families.

Preceding him in death are his parents and a brother, Ed Waters.

The family will have a Celebration of Life Visitation for Ken on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 4-6 p.m at Parker-Price & Davidson Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission.