Joe B. Slaughter
Joe B. Slaughter, 96, of Tuscola, IL, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at home surrounded by his family.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL with Rev. Kenneth Roedder officiating. Burial will follow with military graveside rites at the Tuscola Township Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the funeral home. The family asks that everyone attending please wear a mask and abide by CDC guidelines.
Joe was born on January 3, 1924 in Newman, IL, he was the son of James E. Slaughter and Nelle E. Tate Slaughter. He married the love of his life, Ruth C. Schroeder on August 1, 1953 in Pocahontas, AR. She preceded him in death on August 24, 2013.
Other survivors include his daughter: Kathy Slaughter of Champaign, sons: Jim (Lori) Slaughter, Dave (Marta) Slaughter, Steve (Patty) Slaughter and Bob (Julie) Slaughter all of Tuscola, grandchildren: Eric Slaughter, Amber (Shane) Ring, Andrea Willmore (Mike Talbott), Colin Slaughter, Adam Slaughter (Jenny Cougill), Kaley Slaughter, Jenna Slaughter and Kelsey Slaughter, great-grandchildren: Addyson, Brynlee, Jensynn, and Everley Ring, Paizley and Presley Willmore, Jesse and Kruze Slaughter. Joe was also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Bill Slaughter and sister: Joyce Taylor Irwin.
Joe has lived in Tuscola for most of his life. He was a World War II US Army Veteran. Joe entered the service at the age of 18. He trained in Hawaii and served in the Philippines, New Guinea, Morotai Island and Kobe Japan. Joe served as a 1stscout that went out ahead of all the troops to investigate the area. He was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and four silver battle stars.
Joe retired from DeKalb at the age of 62, where he had worked for many years. After retirement, Joe served as the crossing guard at North Ward elementary school for many years. Joe over his lifetime has been awarded several awards such as: grand marshal along with his wife Ruth, in the Christmas town parade, volunteer of the year along with his wife Ruth, East Central Illinois area agency of aging volunteer of the year award, quilt from American Legion for being a World War II veteran, and most recently he was awarded a proclamation from Mayor Kleiss of Tuscola when he turned 95 years old on January 3rd calling it Joe Slaughter day, and several other awards. Joe was a very special man who loved his family and friends very much.
He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He had a great sense of humor and always put a smile on everyone’s face. One of Joe’s special talents was writing poetry. Joe was a big Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and NASCAR fan. Joe loved spending time with his family and sitting on his front porch reminiscing. Joe was a well-respected part of the Tuscola community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorials are suggested to the SAM Food Pantry or Help-A-Child Fund.
Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com
