Retired SSG Charles "Charlie" R. Slater, age 78 of North Flat, Laceyville, PA passed away unexpectedly at his home, in Windham twp., Wyoming Co., on Monday, September 14, 2015.


Born in Sayre, PA on May 8, 1937, he was the son of the late Edwin and Betsy Burgess Slater. Growing up in the Laceyville area, Charlie was a graduate of the Wyalusing High School, with the class of 1955.


Right after his graduation from high school, he entered the US Army on June 16, 1955. During his Army career he served at Fort Dix, New Jersey; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Gordon, Georgia; Fort Eustis, Virginia; and the United States Army Defense Command, Stewart Air Force Base, New York. He was assigned to the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York on January 6, 1972, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant, Senior Heavy Vehicle Driver, and later as a Physical Activity Supervisor until the time of his retirement. His oversea areas of assignment included Germany, France, and Vietnam. Sergeant Slater retired on August 31, 1975. Among his many awards and decorations, during his twenty year service career, included the Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, and Six Oversea Service Bars. On his retirement notice, it was noted that Sergeant Slater served his country with distinction, and he was congratulated upon his retirement from his military career.

After his retirement from the military, he later retired after 18 years of employment as a Production Technician at the Procter and Gamble Paper Plant in Mehoopany, PA.


He was a member of the Rought Hall Post # 510 American Legion of Black Walnut, PA. In his spare time he enjoyed the time that he got to spend with his family.


For 17 years, he was the husband of Sharon Heeman Slater, until her passing on July 4, 2015. Besides his parents, Charlie was also preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Pickett, who passed away on September 14, 2011, brother Raymond Inman, who passed away on November 13, 2011, brother in law Robert Osterhout, brother in law Robert Heeman, brother/sister in law Gerald and Beverly Brown, sister in law Louise Norton, and sister in law Margurite Heeman


Surviving are his children, Charles and Peggy Slater Jr., of Wysox, PA, Kenny and Cindy Slater, of Rome, PA, Denny and Candice Slater, of Ulster, PA, Randy and Julie Slater, of Rome, PA. and Chari Jo Slater, of Tunkhannock, PA; and 21 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren; He is also survived by a brother, Eugene Inman, of Meshoppen, PA; sisters, Pauline Brekke, of New Jersey, Lillian Louise Franks, of Waverly, NY, and Lucy Hamilton, of Windsor, NY; brothers/sisters in law Joyce Osterhout of Susquehanna, PA, Judy Heeman of Newark Valley, NY, Phil Norton of Laceyville, PA, Ed and Marge Heeman of Owego, NY, Melvin and Jeanie Heeman of North Augusta, SC, and Allie "Sonny" Heeman of Laceyville, PA. as well as many nieces and nephews.


Funeral services will be held at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, PA , on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Charles Bishop, of the Transue Community Church officiating. Interment with Military Graveside Services will be held at the Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Dallas twp., PA. Military services will be conducted by the members of the Rought Hall Post # 510 American Legion, Black Walnut, PA; Dennis Strong Post # 457 American Legion, Tunkhannock, PA. and the Endless Mountains Post # 3583 V.F.W., Mehoopany, PA. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 5:00-8:00 PM.


Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Charlie's name to the Bradford County Humane Society, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850.