Donald Howard "Don" Slack

1938 - 2025

Anacortes - Donald H Slack, 87, a longtime resident of Anacortes, passed away on December 12th at home surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on June 2, 1938, in Overton, Texas to parents: Willie and Audrey (Bilyeu) Slack; and grew up there along with six brothers and sisters. Donald came to Washington in 1959 as a new U.S. Naval Aircrewman on the A-3 Sky Warrior, serving on four carrier deployments during the Vietnam War. He then served as an aircraft electrician based out of Whidbey Island, WA and Alameda, CA, honorably retiring in 1981 as a Chief Petty Officer.

After retiring from the Navy, he was a proud Boeing employee for many years, including working on the very first 747.

Don enjoyed fishing, hunting and motorcycle riding with his father-in-law Kirby Smith, spending countless weekend in these pursuits. He was an active member in the local Eagles Aerie including being the President and serving as a Trustee for many years.

After his retirement from both the Navy and Boeing he was involved in the Master Gardeners program as well as being a volunteer at the Anacortes Senior Center. For 20 years he enjoyed supporting Meals on Wheels as a delivery driver and providing driver services for those unable to drive themselves to healthcare visits.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws: Kirby and Charlet Smith, his brothers Larry Slack of Overton, Texas, Robert Slack of Alameda, California, and sisters Virginia Hutshell and Patsy Colter of Overton, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Colleen Slack, son Donald and wife Claudia, daughter Cindy and husband Todd Anderson, and grandkids Kira and Miles Anderson. He is also survived by brother Rocky Slack and sister Shari Jo O'Brien in Texas as well as many in-laws, nephews and nieces both in Texas and Washington.

Our family would like to thank Hospice of the Northwest for their support during the final stage of his journey. Donations in honor of Don to either Anacortes Meals on Wheels or Hospice of the Northwest would be appreciated.

Celebration of Life at the Slack's Residence on January 7th which would have been the 65th Wedding Anniversary of Don and Colleen, from 1 pm - 4 pm.

To share memories of Don, please sign his online guest register and bookmark this direct link to his memorial site at Evans to check for updates: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/don-slack.