Dean Wilson Slater

Dean Wilson Slater passed away on July 24, 2011. He was born December 13, 1926 in Monroe County, Iowa to James and Pearl Slater. He was the youngest of 5 children. After graduating from Chariton High School in 1944, he joined the Merchant Marines and served during World War II. While serving as a Merchant Mariner, he made three circuits around the world visiting some exotic places. After retiring from his military duties, he worked as an engineer in California, Kauai, Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, Huntsville, AL and Austin, TX. Dean had a passion for aviation as an accomplished flight instructor where he enjoyed passing that enthusiasm to his flight students, young and old. Dean loved talking “hanger flying” with anyone who would participate. During his retirement years, he enjoyed touring Central Texas Air Shows and traveling to various Aviation Museums. Dean was also a member of The Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Mason of California and the Shiner of Aloha Temple of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dean is survived by his wife of 24 years, Martha Slater; son, Doug Slater with his wife, Ginger of Danville, IN; daughter, Kristi Slater Sisk with her husband, Randy of Austin, TX, step-sons, Mark Patton of McKinney, TX and Kendall Patton of Dallas, TX; six grandchildren: Dean, Theresa, Kaitlyn, Noah, David and Tiffany; one step-grandson, Brian and one great-granddaughter, Jenna.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 29th at 11:00am at Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin, TX with Reverend David Minnich officiating. Dean will receive a military funeral honors ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX on Monday, August 1st.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either The American Heart Association or The American Cancer Society.