Dale R. Slater

Dale was born Dec. 18, 1924 in Peoria to Robert and Marjorie (Dorsey) Slater. He first married Norma Hahn on April 20, 1946 in Bartonville. She passed away Sep. 2, 1990 in Peoria. He then married Frances Bisson on Jan. 12, 1991 in Las Vegas, NV. She survives. Also surviving are Dale’s three sons: Dale Jr. (Lois) Slater of Las Vegas, David (Valerie) Slater of Peoria, Gary (Glenda) Slater of Topeka, IL, ten grandchildren, twenty four great-grandchildren, and one brother, Donald Slater of Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, two sisters, and one brother.

Dale enlisted in the US Navy in Feb. 1942 and served in WWII aboard Aircraft Carrier Squadrons on the USS Ranger, Ticonderoga, and Shangri-La. His TBF (Torpedo Bomber) crashed in the Pacific Ocean near Japan in 1944 ending his active combat duty due to injuries sustained receiving the Purple Heart, and was discharged in 1946.

Dale was a member of the Bricklayers Union and retired in 1992 from Peoria Floor and Wall Tile Co. which he owned and operated. Dale was a member of the NRA, and the Illini Muzzle Loaders Assoc. and member and past commander of the American Legion in Bartonville. He loved to volunteer at New Salem State Park and restore the park’s cabins into working order.

Dale had a private pilot license and loved to fly and restore WWII aircraft. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and was loved by everyone who knew him. He is currently residing with his lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be Friday Dec. 30, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Friday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the New Salem State Park or the Disabled American Veterans.

Please view Dale’s obituary online at www.Davison-Fulton.com