Daniel "Dan" Slater

The circle of our world reeled around the edges on Sunday January 12, 2014 when Dan Slater left this world to see the other side. For some, life can be a struggle. Dan looked at life and embraced, with gusto, the God-given opportunities for living life as it was intended. As our world moves forward, Dan’s legacy continues as a cherished memory, burnished and glorified by his life companion Norma, a glowing number of great-grandchildren, grandchildren, and four delightful offspring as his immediate family. By naming selected highlights of a long, full life, it is inevitable that some deeds and activities will be overlooked. Dan’s total package of accomplishments and activities provided building blocks for making a difference during a long and productive life. A review of his life would not be complete without recognizing just a few activities. These nostalgic memories and recollections go out of their way to praise the deeds while overlooking details. Many of these remain in the family. So very many of Dan’s deeds were a reaching out to others and bringing a bit of joy to them. Rather than platitudes and pious proclamations, Dan wanted to make a positive contribution in all circumstances. Some actions became public due to the inclusion of people and personalities outside family environs. The scope of his many activities may never become public. He seldom told the world about all of them. Many are worth remembering with a smile. Many of these related incidents and activities are centered on the First Presbyterian Church where Dan occupied a choice choir position. Even if you were there, you may not be aware of his many talents. This story is related without reference to personalities. Long after the fact and under duress, Dan was willing to show examples of his pencil sketches. From a viewpoint in the choir loft, he sketched members of the congregation during sermons. There is a collection of this art although most are unsigned and cannot be fully documented. His poetry delighted the church on select occasions. Birthdays may or may not be special occasions. This is a factor of age or other conditions of existence. For some, the crowning event of a birthday was a serenade offered by Dan. This was not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Musical instruments included, but are not limited to turkey basters, kazoos, and ukuleles. A vocal rendition of “Happy Birthday” does wonders as a wake-up call before a late breakfast. Early on, he sold magazine subscriptions; even managing a small troop of kids doing the same thing. These efforts enabled him to understand how much could be accomplished by providing leadership, inspiration, and encouragement. In World War II, Dan overcame a fear of heights and earned status as a young pilot of a B-24 Liberator bomber during World War II (35 missions). One wartime snapshot presents a picture of Dan the slight skinny kid surrounded by crew members several years his senior. Leadership was not measured by age. This love of flying never died. After a cross-country flight to California, he once flew under the Golden Gate Bridge. With the overwhelming support of Norma, his future and only wife, they flew a Piper Cub over the countryside in Iowa to locate desirable picnic sites. After college (Iowa State) and a degree in architecture, wife Norma and Dan followed their dreams and ambitions with an employment stint in the Panama Canal Zone. This later led, with young children, to a desire to return stateside. Some active recruiting led them to wend their way to Navasota in Texas. Life was good. Employment opportunities were reasonable and living in Texas was considered pleasant. Major undercurrents and a difficult political environment in Navasota caused the family to move to Huntsville. With all candor, Dan’s life and that of his family became a strong instrument of change in Huntsville. Public adulation and acknowledgement of his many acts was not documented even though these were many positive steps for progress. Quietly, with little public fanfare, Dan served as choir director at First Presbyterian Church for several years. His avocation included barber shop quartets, English madrigals, a community singing group, and the men’s choir. In addition, he spent many hours in other churches and denominations providing guidance and leadership for beginning or growing music programs. In addition to family and a warm family life at home, Dan was quite the accomplished hobbyist. His model train layout (N gauge) is more than 150 feet long. A radio-controlled sailboat explored Spring Lake. These activities exhibit proof positive of a man interested in expanding the perimeters of life on this earth. It is too late to ask for permission but Dan would approve the following. This loving memory ends with a famous family quote from Norma: “And that is the way it is.” Dan (Daniel James Slater) was 89 and was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 13, 1924, to Dwight and May Slater. His parents preceded him in death, along with his wife, Norma Jean Slater, and his grandson, Drew Slater. Dan is survived by his sisters, Marjorie Blume, Barbara Maus, and Silvia Ranney, and his children, Jeff Slater and wife Amy, Holly Slater Hall, Danny Slater and wife Sue, and Andy Slater. He is also survived by grandchildren Lee Slater and wife Kim, Soren Hall and wife Devin, Cody Slater and wife Tanya, and great grandchildren Jackson Slater and Casey Littleton. Visitation with Dan’s family will be at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, January 17, from 5 to 7 PM. His funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 on Saturday, January 18. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.

Daniel "Dan" Slater

February 13, 1924 - January 18, 2014