John Russell Slavich

John Russell (Jack) Slavich, age 91, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Wednesday, December 7th in his residence at Town & Country Manor in Boerne. Jack was born and raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on June 3, 1925 to Stevan and Sophia.

Upon his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Army on September 7, 1943, valiantly and selflessly serving his country in the 101st Airborne Division; most notably, Jack’s infantry contributed to the Allied victory at Normandy on D-Day. After sustaining a war-related injury, he was honorably discharged on June 1, 1945, receiving multiple awards for his bravery and service to his country, including a Purple Heart. While recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Jack happened upon a lovely young woman named Anne “Mozelle” Stephens, who he would wed a few months later on September 22, 1945; the couple would remain happily married for 63 years.

After a few years in Oklahoma, Jack and Mozelle settled in San Antonio, where Jack would serve as a teacher, football coach, and elementary school principal in the Harlandale Independent School District from 1954 until his retirement in 1985. Among his personal interests, Jack was an active member of the Mason Optimist Club, a nonprofit organization that serves local youth. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, and his love of golf would stay with him throughout his lifetime. Blessed with good health well into his 80s, Jack enjoyed the game for many years and played regularly with a group of friends. He even passed on his love of golf to his son, Steve, and his two granddaughters, Ashley and Katherine. A man of steadfast faith, Jack was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and lived a life of service to others. In return, he was blessed with a lifetime’s worth of love and joy that he shared with his family and friends. Jack will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, three sisters, and his wife. He is survived by his son, Steve; daughter-in-law, Leticia; two granddaughters, Ashley (and husband, Aaron) and Katherine; and great grandson, Davis.

Visitation will be Monday, December 12, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home (1701 Austin Highway). A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church (1416 North Loop 1604 East), and a graveside service will directly follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the building fund at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.