Howard Roger Slemmer

June 23, 1934 - February 3, 2025

Howard Slemmer was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Frank Slemmer and Evelyn (Davis) Slemmer on June 23, 1934. The family moved to Tacoma in 1941. He attended 3rd grade in Yakima and came to Spokane in 1943. After graduating from Lewis and Clark High School in 1951, he attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho.

While in Nampa, Howard got his start as an electrician for Fleetwood Mobile Homes. After wiring 650 units, he was selected for apprenticeship in the Spokane International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He became a Journeyman in 1965, and worked with several contractors until being selected as a Washington State Electrical Inspector in 1970. Eventually, he became Inspector Supervisor for Eastern Washington. As an Apprentice Instructor, he taught Electrical Apprenticeship at Spokane Community College for 12 years. He was a member of IAEl, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and Regional President for one term.

Howard was a valued member of Spokane Valley Kiwanis for over 40 years. A life-long Nazarene and dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, he attended several Nazarene churches in the Spokane area over the years, and was a member of Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene since 2003. After retiring, he participated in four Work and Witness missions, traveling to Alaska, Mexico, Russia and working on the campground at Cascade, Idaho. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for several years.

Howard enjoyed being outdoors, hiking or skating with his boys and traveling with Loretta to gospel quartet festivals or cruising with friends. He liked being active, running and then walking in at least 16 Bloomsdays. He acquired a variety of skills, tackling an extensive addition to their home, and helping friends and neighbors with their projects. A self-taught woodworker, Howard created many intricate puzzles.

Howard is survived by Loretta, his wife of 53 years; sons Roger of Winona, MN, Dave (Marcia) of Lake Forest, CA, and Gary (Sandy) of Spokane Valley; sister Marilyn Olson (Ken) of Eugene, OR; sister-in-law Orrene Slemmer of Sun City, AZ; sister-in-law Glenndala Noggles of Valley, WA; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Clyde and Glenn; and brothers-in-law, Fred and Jim Noggles.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 5th at 11:00 at Spokane Valley Nazarene Church. Howard and Loretta loved Southern Gospel music and were special fans of Liberty Quartet of Meridian, Idaho. Donations to the ministry of the quartet can be sent to: Liberty Quartet, 55 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 100, Meridian, ID 83642, in memory of Howard Slemmer.