John Slack Sr., 90, of Wanette passed away at his home on May 29, 2024. John Edgar Slack was born to Royal Clarence Slack and Iva Lillian Slack (Tillyer) on March 16, 1934 in Lansing, Michigan.
John grew up in the Lansing area and attended school there, graduating from J.W. Sexton High School with the Big Red class of 1952. At age 16 John began working at Schmidt’s Grocery Store and turned it into a career. He worked for Schmidt’s for 48 years and retired as a store manager.
As a young man he joined the United States Naval Reserves and was then drafted into the United States Army. He served with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, the “Screaming Eagles.” Currahee! He completed thirteen jumps, often carrying full packs of radio equipment and a camera to capture it all.
After leaving the military he met the love of his life, Nancy Noele Miller. They were soon married and just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary earlier this month. John and Nancy relocated to Oklahoma after he retired from Schmidt’s, but he was far from finished working. Once settled here, John worked for Arby’s, and then for Walmart as a greeter. He was wonderful with names and always helped people with their shopping carts.
When he wasn’t working, John loved cheering on his favorite Michigan teams, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and the Michigan State Spartans. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, and gardening. He liked to stay busy and make daily shopping trips to the store, including Home Depot and Harbor Freight, to stock up on all the handy essentials.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, his dog Molly, and playing poker with his great-grandson, Andrew. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Royal and Iva Slack; his siblings, Jim Slack, Bruce Slack, Florence Gobel and Jeanette Gresinger, and his son, Thomas Slack.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Slack of the home; his children, John Edgar Slack Jr. and wife, Cindy, of Dewitt, Mich., Marysue Farris and husband, Jerry, of Wanette, Okla., and Amy Hutchison and husband, Judd, of Streamwood, Ill.; his siblings, Royal “Corky” Slack of Gorham, Maine, and Mary Smith of Sarasota, Fla. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Amanda Johnson and husband, Ronnie, Justin Farris and wife, Heather, Nicholas Farris, Cooper Slack, Haidyn Slack and Kendra Slack; his great-grandchildren, Andrew Johnson, Mason Farris, JJ Farris, Ali Farris and Audrei Hail and numerous nieces and nephews.
John’s family will gather at a later time to remember him and celebrate his life.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.