Paul Gilbert Slater, 85, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 6:22 pm April 28, 2021 at his residence. He was born September 23, 1935 in Piedmont, Missouri to the late Sam Gilbert and Lela E. (Fowler) Slater. Paul married Audrey Fay (Wolf) Slater on May 13, 1956 in Flora, Illinois. They were blessed with nearly 65 years of marriage.
In addition to his beloved wife, Paul is survived by his daughter, Carol Ann Lee and husband, Dr. Brian of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, James Lee and wife, Ashley of Missoula, Montana, Rachel Vincent and husband, Xavier of Saint Charles, Missouri, and David Lee and wife, Samantha of Webster Grove, Missouri; and great-grandchildren, Nora Lee of Missoula, Montana, and Vince Lee and Elowyn Lee, both of Webster Grove, Missouri.
Paul graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois and Greer Technical School in Chicago, Illinois. He was a faithful member of Central Christian Church in Mount Vernon and was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #31, Scottish Rite, Ainad Temple, and Jefferson County Shrine Club. He worked at NTCC as a branch manager from 1965 until he retired in 1996.
Paul spent morning’s at the “office,” what we know as McDonald’s, drinking coffee with friends. You could find him in his favorite chair watching Cardinals or Bears games, but only if not cheering from the sidelines for one of his grandkids games or coaching his own little league teams. Paul loved skiing and being in the mountains. He could fix just about anything and seemed invincible to his daughter and grandchildren. His family was one of his greatest joys as he dove into genealogy and invested time and energy into his grandkids and great-grandkids, leaving behind cherished memories for them that, although numerous, still could never be enough. He shared his avid love of trains and the railroad, which will live on in his great-grandson. His greatest loves in his life were his beloved bride of 65 years and his Lord. This mighty man who raised us, coached us, taught us, and loved us now rests in the arms of his Mighty Savior.
A Visitation will be held Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Central Christian Church in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 pm with Mr. J. Howard Kraps officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Paul’s honor to Central Christian Church Food Pantry and Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.