Walter Allen Slade

Walter was born December 20, 1945 in Fresno, CA, graduating from Edison High School. Walter moved to Bakersfield in 1970. Walter met L. Dee in 1974, and they married in 1976 making almost 50yrs of marriage. Walter and Dee have helped shape the African American experience in Kern County for the better, mentoring numerous successful "children" who know and love Walter and Dee for their compassion, mentorship and high expectations.

Walter worked for 39 years with the Kern High School District and was associated with Apex Construction Company and the California High Speed Rail Project.. He was a Major General with the Buffalo Soldiers / African American Network of Kern as well as the network's resident techie and photographer. Walter also served as host of the African American Network of Kern County / Buffalo Soldiers podcast, where he introduced listeners to a variety of community issues with an emphasis on the Black perspective and the monthly newsletter for AANKC Buffalo Soldiers.

Walter had a servant's heart, and over the course of his amazing life was involved in many organizations, including: The African American Network of Kern County / Kern County Buffalo Soldiers , Bakersfield African-American Cultural Committee, Friendship House, Future Bakersfield Action Team, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, National Council of Negro Women, National Rifle Association, One Book / One Bakersfield and Tobacco Free Coalition of Kern County, just to name some.

Walter helped with many community events including the Allensworth Centennial Celebration, First Night – Bakersfield, Good Neighbor Festival and Southeast Neighborhood Partnership events. Walter also served the Adobe Krow Archives, where he helped facilitate historic visits to Bakersfield from Harry Belafonte and Rosa Parks.

Walter is survived by his wife L. Dee Slade of 49 years; 3 sons, Walter A. Slade Jr., Vaughn M. Hicks Jr., Daryl Hicks; 18 grandchildren (2 Step-grandchildren), Brooke (Cory), Jazmin (Danilo), Kaci (Nic), CJ, Jesi (Nadav), Amber, Mikayla, Caleb (Mariana), Joey, Terrell, June, Joy (Emmanuel), Xammara, Deondre; Jaz, Jaelen; 24 Great-Grandchildren; 1 sister Vivian Street (Hillard) of Gardena, CA and Don Slade (Jackie) of Fresno, CA; 2 Nieces Shenee' Slade of San Jose and Collette of Los Angeles, CA, 2 Nephews Shawn of Fresno, CA and Michael of Los Angeles; Cousins, Sandra, Brian, Stephanie, Lisa (Edwin), Linda, Donna, Joan, Rodney (Beverly), Lakiea, Donovan, Liam, Rodney Jr.(Danielle), Aaliyah, Rodney III, Dominic, Desmond, Vicky, Sabrina, Rhonda. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Fred and Lorraine Slade, his Grandmother Florine Tucker and his Uncle Celeste Bell, and his Aunts Loela Bell, Elouise Smith.

Services will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Homes Southwest 2739 Panama Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93313, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

Walter will be remembered as a quiet community leader who was an advocate for all people to be successful and happy, regardless of zip code, nationality, or ethnicity.