Elmer 'Joe' Slater

E. Joe Slater was born on December 18, 1942, in Perryton, Texas, to the late Elmer L. and Aline M. (Ricker) Slater, and peacefully departed this life on June 14, 2016, at his home in Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was 73 years of age.


While stationed with the U.S. Army in West Germany, Joe met Elvira Jakob and they were united in marriage on September 13, 1963, in Fieldkirchen, West Germany. Four children were born to this union. Joe retired from the military after selflessly serving his country for 21 years, in a multitude of stateside and overseas assignments, including a tour in the Republic of Vietnam.


Upon retiring in 1981, Joe relocated his family to the Bendavis area. There he owned and operated a successful dairy farm for five years before moving to Mountain Grove in 1986, where he worked as a Construction Superintendent as well as Broker-Owner of OK Realty. Joe enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, working in his yard, tinkering in his garage, meeting his friends for coffee, spending time with his family, and conversing with his favorite pet, Pablo, affectionately known to many as bird.


Joe was actively involved for over 35 years with the Masonic Fraternity, serving the State of Missouri as District #46 Deputy Grand Master, Past Master of Mountain Grove Masonic Lodge # 158, Secretary and Recorder of Royal Arch Chapter #137 and Fidelity Council #35, member of Commandery #66 Knights Templar, member of the Red Cross of Constantine, Past Worthy Patron of Order of Eastern Star Chapter #29, and past member of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine in Springfield, Missouri. Joe was also a lifetime member and Past Post Commander of Veterans of Foreign War Post #473 In Cabool, Missouri.


Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Elvira, of 50 years and is survived by two sons: Steven Slater and wife, Cynthia, of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Timothy Slater and wife, Nancy, of Ava, Missouri; two daughters: Michelle McCarthy and husband, Frank, of Bel-Air, Maryland, and Renee Alcorn and husband, Matt, of Willow Springs, Missouri; nine grandchildren: Darin, Joey, Jerred, Jakob, Jeffrey, Keirann, Kylie, Eryn, and Siara; two great-grandchildren: Allyson and Jace; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.


Joe was a kind and caring man, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.


Visitation: Friday, June 17, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the Chapel.

Burial: Hillcrest Cemetery at a later date.