Joseph Elry Slater, 79, died January 11, 2016 of natural causes. He was born January 24, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois and moved to The Villages, Florida in 1996 to spend his retirement with Bonnie, his loving wife of 60 years. He was the first-born son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Slater of East Peoria, who taught him hard work and dedication.
Joe spent his entire career at Caterpillar Inc., starting as a pattern maker apprentice in 1953 while finishing his classes at East Peoria High School. He was promoted numerous times over the course of more than 40 years and retired as a division manager in 1995.
He enjoyed traveling the world with Bonnie and toured more than a dozen countries; they also frequently visited their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making sure to see them often despite their far-flung locales. In addition, Joe loved to golf and spent many hours volunteering in the community, often as part of the various churches he attended throughout the years.
His advice for a great life: “Marry a good woman, love her, work hard, train and educate your children, make friends wherever you live, find a good church wherever you live and take time to smell the roses.” Joe did just that and left many fond memories to comfort his family in his absence.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie; daughters Linda Slater Lyon (Clyde) and Audrey Slater Freeman (Brian); son Joseph Brian Slater (Maren); brother Jack Slater (Jean); grandchildren Kelly Lyon Spell (Brent), Kate Lyon Gaffney (Sean), Justin Allen Lighter (Heather), Odin James Slater; and great-grandchildren Taryn Elise Lighter, Nolan Allen Lighter and Raewyn Rose Gaffney.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 12, 2016, at the New Covenant United Methodist Church’s Chapel, 3470 Woodridge Dr., The Villages, FL 32162.
The family asks that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Family Organization via the church.