Judge Edward A. DeWaters Jr., known for his diplomatic style during his nearly 30 years on the Baltimore County bench and his warmth and friendliness inside and outside the courthouse, died Saturday of pancreatic cancer. The Kingsville resident was 69.

Judge DeWaters was appointed to the circuit court in 1975 after three years as a District Court judge. He remained on the circuit court until his retirement in 2001, serving as its administrative judge from 1982 to 1990 and again from 1997 to 2001. Judge DeWaters also served from 1990 to 2001 as administrative and chief judge for the Third Judicial Circuit, which includes Baltimore and Harford counties. Until recently, he worked in the Baltimore County court's settlement office hearing domestic cases.