Funeral Set For Tulsa Domestic Violence Victim, Advocate

The funeral for a Tulsa man who rose above debilitating injuries to become an advocate for victims of domestic violence is set for Thursday, May 2, 2013. 

Nate Waters died April 21, 2013. He was 35.

Nate Waters was 19 in 1997 when he was severely injured by his mother's boyfriend. Those injuries left him confined to a wheelchair.

In an interview with News On 6 in 2007, Waters said he got his GED, then an Associate's Degree from TCC, a Bachelor's Degree from OSU before getting a job with Williams as an accounting assistant.

Nate Waters added, "Anything is possible with the right attitude, the right people around you and faith in God."

10/12/2007 Related Story: Domestic Violence Survivor Helping Other Victims

Lori Long, executive director of the Center For Individuals With Physical Challenges issued the following statement:

"The Tulsa community has lost a dear friend in Nate Waters. Nate was truly larger than life and never met a stranger. He inspired people to live better. He was the epitome of forgiveness. Nate is an example of what we should all aspire to be in life – a friend to all, an advocate for those in need, a giver to our community and that we all should follow our dreams with tenacity. His smile could light up a room and his laugh was infectious. My life will be forever changed for knowing him. I will miss him tremendously."

Lori Long said Waters was active in Tulsa Sports Charities, the Mayor's Commission on the Concerns of the Disabled, The Bridges Foundation, American Cancer Society, The DREAM Institute, DVIS, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and 3D Confidence.

She said Nate had a friendship with T. Boone Pickens who gave him equipment so he could eventually regain some physical improvements despite his spinal cord injuries.

Lori Long says Waters donated that equipment to the Center For Individuals With Physical Challenges to help others. She said Nate Waters was a firm believer in the verse "to whom much is given, much is expected."

12/30/2010 Related Video: Nate Waters, A Tulsan Who Hopes To Inspire Others To Help

Waters' funeral will be May 2, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 1115 South Boulder.  Burial will be Friday, May 3rd at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be May 1st at Moore's Southlawn Chapel at 9350 East 51st 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.