George Wesley Slater Sr., 73

DOVER - George Wesley Slater Sr., of Felton, departed this earth on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in the Westminster Village Center, Dover. He was 73.

Mr. Slater was born in Harrington to the late George and Ida Slater.

He worked for the city of Dover for 17 years as a truck mechanic.

Mr. Slater also did work as a paramedic and ambulance driver for the military.

He was a specialist in the army from January 1957 to January 1959, the army reserves from January 1959 to March 1959 and then the Delaware National Guard from March 1959 to April 1961 when he was honorably discharged.

Mr. Slater was also a former member of Harrington Church of Nazarene.

At the time of his death he was a member of Sandtown Nazarene Church and an active member of Harrington Moose Lodge 534.

His pastimes include making lamps out of cedar trees and he made brooms of all sorts, big and small. He also made his walking sticks.

Mr. Slater was an avid beekeeper, making his own honey.

He was married to the late Janice Slater with whom he had two children, George "Sonny" Jr., and Marlene his only daughter and one stepson, William Harvey.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Slater; three sisters, Bessie Carter, Mary Welch and Amy Watkins; one sister-in-law, Maryann Slater; and a brother-in-law, Oscar Watkins.

Later, he married Laura Slater of Felton with whom he had two step sons, Joesph Allen and William Sykes.

He is survived by his brother, Frank Slater, who was not only his brother but also his friend and confidant, they shared many things, and his wife Margaret; one brother-in-law, Bill Welch; a host of nieces and great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews, family and friends, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

Funeral services were held in Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.

Interment was in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.