Frederick L. Slack Sr.

Frederick Leon Slack, Sr., 88, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on May 13, 2026, due to complications with pancreatic cancer surrounded by loving family.

Frederick was born on December 2, 1937, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to William Joe Slack and Louise Doris (née Williams) Slack. At the age of 12, Frederick was baptized in the Mississippi River at McCasland Avenue Church of God in Christ in East St. Louis by Elder Lovelace, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to faith, legacy, and service.

Frederick’s walk with Christ deepened early in life. At the age of 16, he answered God’s call to preach, embracing a lifelong ministry rooted in teaching, service, and shepherding others in faith. This calling shaped every season of his life—from his theological studies and professorship to his pastoral leadership, mentorship, and tireless service within the church and community.

Frederick pursued education with determination and purpose. He earned his GED, then attended Southern Illinois University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1975 and a Master’s degree in Counseling Education in 1976. Continuing his theological calling, he later earned a Bachelor of Theology from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 1989. In 1990, Frederick became a professor at Central Baptist Theological Seminary, faithfully serving until the institution closed.

In 1955, Frederick enlisted in the United States Army, serving both active duty and reserve components until his honorable discharge in 1967. In 1958, Frederick married the late Vetrea Mae (née Davidson) Slack. Their marriage lasted ten years, and from this union, four children were born.

On May 10, 1969, Frederick married his love, Janice Ann (née Brown) Slack, at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis with Rev. Alexander Moore officiating. Their 57 years of marriage were marked by partnership, entrepreneurship, faith, and deep devotion to family and community. Together, they built a loving blended family and legacy that resulted in four additional children.

Frederick’s professional life reflected his passion for education, empowerment, and service. He began working in higher education in 1975 as Assistant Director of Financial Aid at State Community College in East. St. Louis, later serving in the same role at Indiana University- Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), where he also taught freshman courses. He retired from IUPUI in September 2002, yet never ceased serving students, churches, and communities.

An educator and entrepreneur, Frederick and Janice owned Unique Food Shop in East St. Louis and Janice’s Food Shop in St. Louis during the 1970s. He was involved with Upgrade Enterprises, helping build homes for African American families, and managed the Redbarn Restaurant in East St. Louis. In the 1980s and 1990s, Frederick founded and served as President of Storehouse Investments, led the Association for Loan Free Education (ALFE) to help students access higher education, and served as President/CEO of Quality Care Services, BJ Construction Company, and Six-D Construction. He was the Director of Faith Bible Institute and assisted Father Boniface Hardin with establishing the financial aid department for Martin University. He was also a mentor-father and Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, a member of the Capital City Tennis Club, a Project Captain for neighborhood clean-ups, and a recipient of numerous awards while serving on many boards. Despite these honors, Frederick often said his greatest titles were “Daddy” and “Grandpa.”

Frederick also believed deeply in economic stewardship, family stability, and generational responsibility. Wanting to ensure that family emergencies did not become overwhelming burdens, he established what became known as the Slack Legacy Fund—a family bank rooted in the principles of mutual support, accountability, and legacy building. Frederick believed families should work together to create solutions, assist one another through hardship, and build financial structures that could strengthen future generations. Through this vision, he modeled stewardship, resourcefulness, and the importance of leaving not only an inheritance, but a framework for family unity and sustainability.

Frederick was deeply committed to his faith community. At Greater Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, he served as an Associate Minister, Co-Chair of the Men’s Ministry, and Sunday School teacher. He was also Vice President of Ministries United Bible Class, a former Chaplain for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Chairperson of the Housing Committee for the Riverside Quality of Life Plan. Frederick was a prayerful supporter of the merger between Greater Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church and 25th Street Baptist Church to form The Gathering on 25th Street because he believed deeply in the unity of believers and the power of the Church working together in faith and community.

Outside of service, Frederick found joy in playing tennis, playing chess, spending time with family and friends, playing cards, sharing meals, laughing, traveling, and creating memories. Those who knew him remember his warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to serving others. No one was ever a stranger to Frederick—he fed neighbors, cleaned up communities, preached the Word, introduced others to Christ, brought people to church, taught with patience, and loved without condition.

Frederick is survived by his beloved wife, Janice A. Slack; children, Vetrea M. (Paul) Slack Ruffin, Frederick L. (Debra) Slack, Jr. , Robert W. (Margaret) Slack , Dountonia S. (Ramon) Batts, Derrick S. (Taria) Slack, Derrin S. (Mya) Slack, Dyanna S. Slack; grandchildren, Janet C.L. Davis, Anaesha M. (Paul) Whitaker, Lacretia (Kellen, I) Conaway, Angelica Ruffin, Brittany D. Brown, Kristen T. (Kyle) Jones, Yevette (Michael) Huntsman, Tierra K. (Jesus) Paredes, Frederick L. Slack, III, Quiyana Slack, Zamiah Slack, Wylan Slack, Leona Slack, Khristian A. Batts, Ramon L. Batts, II, Christopher R. (Camryn) Batts, Dakota J. Payne, Kennedy A. Batts, Durango J. Payne, James E. Dixon, II, Jeremiah E. Dixon, Zyla M. Slack, Zyon M. Slack, Zenaya M. Slack, Tyson A. Slack, London M. Slack, Micah J. Royal, Maliyah A. Crain, Mason B. Spearman; great-grandchildren, Victoria Conaway, Kellen Conaway, II, Jared Smith, Paul Whitaker, Jr., Ava V. Whitaker, Michael Huntsman, Jr., Morgan Huntsman, Michai Huntsman, Devon Reynolds, Brynn Jones, Kerrington Jones, Kenleigh Jones, Winter Paredes, Willow Paredes, Nailah Paredes, Nash Paredes, Yashmir L. Batts, Nova M. Batts. brother, Michael W. (Hattie) Slack; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dozens of cousins.

Preceding Frederick in death are his parents, William J. Slack and Louise D. Slack; his daughter, Fredericka L. Slack; his brother, Edward J. Slack; his sister, Carrie E. (née Slack) Banks; and his nephews, Bobby J. Slack, and Cortez Brown.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 10am at The Gathering on 25th Street, 525 W. 25th Street.

Funeral services will be held on May 22nd at 12:00p at The Gathering on 25th Street, 525 W. 25th Street, Indianapolis, IN, with Dr. Ramon L. Batts officiating. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.