Our beloved Madu Fudail Bakari transitioned from this life on March 31, 2026. Madu was born on February 16, 1948 in Akron, Ohio, to Charles & Lillie Waters. He graduated from North High School, and served 3 years in the U.S. Army. He was also a Police Officer with The University of Akron for 25 years, retiring in 1995.

He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers; while serving in the military, he played football in Germany. He loved drawing, biking and he played on many softball teams at Wooster field.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Lillie Waters, brothers Charles Waters and Raymond Waters, sisters Carol Waters and Lourenthia Waters.

He will be sadly missed by sisters Sylvia Davis, Vickie Watters, Margo Watters of Arlington, VA, and Deborah Blackburn (Kevin) of Oakland, Ca, brother Cheo Akili, children Renee Hawthorne (Tim) of Cincinnati, Elijah Michaels, and Nikki Haley, granddaughter Aniyah Carey, and special little friend Ashton Clark; and a host of nieces and nephews.