David Ernest Slater Sr.

DAVID ERNEST SLATER, SR "BROTHER" entered the arms of Jesus on Friday, October 6, 2023.
David was born on October 1, 1955, in Washington, KY. David was the second child born to David and Martha Charlotta Slater. As a child David attended Haven's Chapel United Methodist Church where he learned to love the Lord. He enjoyed fishing, cooking and playing jokes on his family. He was always laughing and looking for the joy in every situation. David was married to Lishelle Keels and they were blessed with a son, David E. Slater, Jr. "JR"
David attended Washington Elementary School from the first to the seventh grade. At the age of 13 he moved to Columbus, OH. He attended Southmoor Junior High and then Marion-Franklin High School where he graduated in 1974. At Marion-Franklin David was active in basketball, tennis, gym assistant, Black Culture Club and yearbook staff. As a teenager, Brother grew up in the Smith Road neighborhood and formed lasting friendships that he maintained throughout his life.
In 1977, David enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Later, he was stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada at Nellis Air Force Base. He served in Korea and Honduras and rose to the rank of Sergeant E5. David became a member of the awesome 820th RED HORSE squad. He loved this group of service men and women and formed lifelong friendship with many of them. He served until 1995 when he was Honorably Discharged. After his retirement from the Air Force, David worked as a plumber, forklift operator and a bartender. His friends referred to him as the jack of all trades.
David returned to Columbus in 1997 after becoming ill. He became confined to a wheelchair, but it didn't prevent him from having an active life. David was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals and The University of Kentucky. He was often decked out in his team apparel from head to toe. David enjoyed watching sports, game shows, and crime shows. David was active in gardening and became known in the neighborhood as Farmer Dave where he would distribute his harvest of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cucumbers. David was able to remain active his entire life due to the amazing care given to him by his bestie, Sissye. They loved going shopping, eating out and trying out all the new restaurants. Brother was her "road dog".
David was a gentle and compassionate soul. He will be remembered by the many lives he touched through his cards and gifts of love he sent for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and his infamous Christmas cards.
David was preceded in death by his parents, David & Martha Slater; son, David E. Slater, Jr. "JR"; grandparents, Charles & Martha Shelton Lang, and many special aunts, uncles and cousins.
David leaves to cherish his precious memory, his siblings Charles Slater, Lynnita (Benjamin) Scott, Darla Slater of Columbus, OH and Sheryl (Philip) Seabrook of Indianapolis, IN; grandson Trevonne K. Jarrett; great-grandson, Kendrick Jarrett of Las Vegas, NV, niece and nephews; Ryan Slater, Akilah Seabrook, Jordan Seabrook, Shawn Slater, Charles Slater; great niece and nephew, Amani Seabrook and Julian Ransom. David also leaves to cherish his memory a host of relatives, godsons, and friends, his BEST friend Michele Rackley and special friends Lishelle Keels-Wesley, E. Faye Lyday and Teresa Frazier.
The world has lost a beautiful soul. You were the most amazing brother and the light of our lives. We still feel your presence though you are gone. You are missed deeply but too well loved to ever be forgotten. He was a rock for all of us. Rest well in the arms of Jesus.