Raymond Slater, Jr

Omaha resident, Raymond George Slater, Jr., 93 passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017 surrounded by his family at Bergen Mercy Select Specialty Hospital, Omaha.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Monday, April 10, 2017; 1:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with Pastor Greg Lindenberger officiating. Private family burial will be in Clay Center Cemetery, Clay Center. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Visitation will be Sunday, April 9, 2017; 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. with family present 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Ray was born on January 31, 1924 in Clay Center, Nebraska to Raymond and Josephine (Brehm) Slater and had five sisters and four brothers. Ray was inducted into the Army on January 17, 1945 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He went to Fort Robinson, Arkansas for basic training. Ray was transferred to Sendai, Japan to the 472nd Glider Battalion and the 11th Air Borne Division where he spent 15 months. In September 1946, he received word to go back to the United States.

As soon as Ray arrived back in the United States he married his fiancée, Betty Washburn at Ft. Lewis, Washington on October 4, 1946. To this union were born five daughters - Linda, Raelene, Deanna, Susan and Lisa. His wife and family were the focus of his life. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Some of his greatest joys were ranching, farming economics, gardening, fishing, hunting, telling jokes & stories, his love for country music and Royals baseball. He was an active member of the Methodist Church his entire life. He was a good friend, had a playful personality, generous heart and a great love for family.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; five sisters; and four brothers.

SURVIVORS:
Daughters & Sons-in-law:
Linda Slater - Scottsbluff, NE
Raelene & Bub Schliep - Larkspur, CO
Deanna & John Johnson - Omaha, NE
Susan & Bill Hanson - Sellersburg, IN
Lisa & Jim Kerner - Shawnee, KS
Grandchildren:
Amy (Patrick) O'Donnell
Michelle (Will) Pierson
Brandy (Chris) Kissinger
Dr. Bronsen (Priscilla) Schliep
Jenna (Garrett) Friesen
Jesse Fox
Emily (Matthew) Novak
Coltin Hanson
Brittany Johnson
Katie Kerner
Brett Kerner
Natalie Kerner
Great-Grandchildren:
11
Brother in-law:
Art Robertson
And many Nieces & Nephews