Charles A. Slates, 96, of Carthage, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 6, 2021. Charlie was born October 27, 1925, in the Sheldon, Missouri area in Barton County.
He served, along with his brother Frank, in WWII from January 1943 to 1945. It was under the leadership of General George S. Patton, Third Army 657 Field Artillery. He was awarded the Silver and Bronze Star.
Upon returning home, on October 2, 1946, he married Dessie D. Starlin in Fort Scott, Kansas. This union in marriage lasted 64 years until her death in July 2010. This young couple would move their family to Carthage in 1951. There, Charlie would work at Atlas Powder Company, where he would remain until his retirement. While at Atlas he would become a licensed electrician.
He was Dad, Pop, and to his grandchildren, great and great-great, he was PaPa. Charlie enjoyed pheasant hunting with family in Iowa, and dove and quail hunting on the rural farms in Sheldon. Also, fishing the lakes of Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
Charlie and Dessie were members of the Carthage Golf Association, and Center Creek Golf Association in Sarcoxie, Missouri, and also members of the First Baptist Church of Carthage.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mable Kunkler Slates; brothers, Frank and Gilbert Slates; and a sister, Emma Jean Slates Stark.
Survivors include a son, C. Larry Slates and wife Karen; a daughter, Lora Slates Tucker and husband G.L.; grandchildren, Shay Tucker Huntzicker and husband Bill, Averi Tucker, Joshua Slates and wife Katy, Jennifer Slates Beckett and husband Daniel; great-grandchildren, Brantly Gossett and wife Riley, Layne Gossett, Jalyn and Ava Huntzicker, and Caroline, Madeline, and Catherine Beckett; great-great-grandchildren, Leighton Danner and Aspen Gossett; several nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.
As daddy began his journey to his eternal home, we witnessed a peace within him that brought comfort to his family. When difficult to speak, a wink would assure us of his journey of peace. When we held his hand, it was strong and firm to the end, as we will always remember him. Our family would like to acknowledge Lila Paugh for her love and care of our daddy. He will be greatly missed by this family, and he will always be our Hero.
Per Charlie’s request, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Wounded Warriors or Parker Place, a transitional housing program for veterans, in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
