Thomas A. Slater

Thomas A. Slater, 74 of Avon formerly of Valparaiso, IN passed away, Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Ames Hospice House, Westlake following a six year battle with cancer. Mr. Slater was born August 4, 1941 in Detroit, and had lived in Valparaiso for 18 years before returning to Ohio and settling in Avon three years ago. Thomas was a 1959 graduate of Cooley High School, Detroit, MI. He then joined the United States Navy serving from 1961 to 1965 at Ft. Meade, Maryland. After being honorably discharged from service to our country, Thomas enrolled at Highland Park Junior College and continued his education at the University of Michigan earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. Thomas had a 20 year career with Standard Oil/British Petroleum and another 18 years with Frick Services retiring in 2013. Thomas was pianist and enjoyed Jazz Music, he was an avid reader of history, mysteries and the classics. He was a student of the American Civil War and Medieval period. He enjoyed watching old movies and found joy in walking in the metro parks. Thomas was also a Detroit Tigers Baseball Fan and of Big Ten Football. Thomas is survived by his wife Joan E. (nee Montbriand) whom he married, February 3, 1968 and children Leslie Slater (Robert Pierson – Fiancé) of Jersey City, NJ and Thomas W. Slater (Angela) of Chicago. He is also survived by brother Hank Slater (Paulaann) of Vero Beach, FL. He is preceded in death by his parents Elmer F. and Juanita V. (nee Hart) Slater and brother Bill Slater. A memorial service with military honors will be Sunday, June 26 at the Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake at 2:00pm. Busch Certified Celebrant James Longsworth will officiate. Interment will be private at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association. 440-933-3202 www.buschcares.com