Gary Ray Slater (1979)

CAUDLE, MCKINZIE, PIEPER, SLATER

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 11/27/2008 at 19:07:17

Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, July 12, 1979

Motorcycle Accident Kills Earlham Man and Woman

Early in the morning of July 4, the lives of two young people were lost when their motorcycle collided with a horse on the highway about two miles east of Greenfield. Janet Bunnell, 19, of Earlham and Gary Slater, 24, of rural Adel were returning home from a trip to Missouri when the accident occurred.

Janet was a lifelong member of the Earlham community and Gary had lived here until about two years ago. Both were Earlham school graduates.

Obituary

Gary Ray Slater, son of Darold and Norma Jean McKinzie Slater, was born on July 12, 1954 at Winterset. He lived his entire life in the Earlham community, attending the Earlham school and graduating with the class of 1972.

Even before his graduation, Gary became employed in his father’s construction work, taking great pride in his abilities on the job, doing his work well. In 1977 Gary moved with his parents to a farm near DeSoto where they family had built a new house. Gary put many hours of labor into it. His love for family and home was deep.

Though Gary was a quiet person, he had a great spirit for life. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent much time in the natural surroundings. During the past few winter months he traveled through many states visiting relatives and friends in such distant places as Florida, Texas and California. This past winter Gary became employed for three months in a construction firm in Corpus Christi, Texas, contracting for Southern Bell Telephone Company.

Gary was a devoted son. His presence was a joy to the family and he was a loyal friend to those who knew him. His straightforward nature marked his character. His hobbies centered around his love for the motorcycles. Many trophies grace his room as evidence of his skills and achievements. Gary was snuffed from this life suddenly on July 4, 1979, near Greenfield, when his cycle struck a loose horse on the roadway.

Surviving him are his parents; two brothers: Alan and Brian, both living at home; two sisters: Lisa Caudle of Earlham and Dawn Pieper of Stuart; two grandmothers: Mrs. Iola Slater of Adel and Mrs. Nina McKinzie of Winterset; one nephew and a host of friends. His absence will be deeply felt by all who loved him.

Last rites were conducted Saturday, July 7, in the Earlham Church of Christ with the Rev. Bernard Zylstra officiating. Jean Zylstra provided appropriate music at the organ console.

Casket bearers were Ted Boyle, Gary Crabbs, Bret Edwards, Mike Frey, Kim Harris, Ronald Lister and Don Loomis.

Interment was in the Earlham Cemetery.

Gravesite
 

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