Harry M. Slaughter, 94, of Winfield, passed away at his home on Sunday, October 2, 2016, with loving members of his family at his side. He was born December 22, 1921, in Nitro, the son of the late Lloyd S. and Johanna Thompson Slaughter.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Karleen Slaughter. Two children: Johanna Halstead and husband, Jerry, of St. Albans and John Slaughter of Dunbar. Three grandchildren: Josh Halstead and wife, Amy, of Clarksburg, John Halstead and wife, Megan, of Winfield, Brandon Edwards and wife Bonnie, of Zebulon, NC. Three great-grandchildren: Braxton and Kason Halstead and Camden Edwards. One sister, Helen, of Dunbar, and a brother, Lloyd, and wife, Marilyn, of Morgantown. Two sisters-in-law, Nancy Slaughter, of Proctorville, Ohio and Glennie Burns of Ocala, FL. A host of nieces and nephews and two very special great nieces, Hannah and Abby Smith of Kenova, who adored their Uncle Harry dearly.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Harold, Howard and Herman.
In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army and was discharged in 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Immediately following his discharge, he returned to his employment at Union Carbide where he was employed until his retirement in 1987.
He was a member of Smith-Thompson Post 27 in Dunbar until 1954 when he transferred to St. Albans Post No. 73, where he served as Sergeant at Arms for one term, Chaplain for 13 years, and Commander of Post for one year. Also, he served as Post Americanism Officer, as Eighth District Commander for two years and District Commander for one year and was Department Membership Chairman for three years and was elected the Department Commander of the West Virginia American Legion in 1973. He served the Department Oratorical Contest in numerous capacities.
Mountaineer Boys’ State became a part of his life in 1964 where he served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for four years, as a cottage commander for many years and as Administrative Assistant for approximately 18-20 years. He served on National Department Committees many times over the past 40 years.
A family gathering will be held 1:00pm Thursday, October 6, 2016, at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Institute, with his beloved Pastors, Scott Bandy and Ray Witmer, of Twin City Bible Church where he attended for 22 years, officiating. The American Legion James E. Marshal Post 187 of Winfield will conduct Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hubbard Hospice House West at Thomas Memorial Hospital, 4605 MacCorkle Avenue, SW., South Charleston, WV 25309.
