Obituary of Chester E. Slade

Chester "Chet" Slade , (80) retired military veteran and resident of St. Maries, ID died October 31, 2013 at Hospice House of North Idaho in Coeur d' Alene, ID from complications arising from an accidental injury in June. He was born February 18, 1933 at Butler, OK to Emil and Mabel (Byfield) Slade. At 14 years of age, Chet began his 20 year military career. First, with the U.S. Army (1947-1952), the U.S. Marine Corp. (1951-1971) and closed out his career with the U.S. Navy in 1971. Chet was awarded the Purple Heart on May 18, 1951, in Korea after he was injured by a Russian concussion grenade. Following a short break after the Korean War, Chet joined the U.S. Marine Corps. and worked as a jet aircraft mechanic. After his military career, he briefly operated a gas station in Clinton, OK, and later worked for commercial airlines and the US. Civil Service at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA as a jet aircraft mechanic/electrician. While stationed in Japan the 15 year old met and married 19 year old Miwako Nakasawa in a Shinto ceremony after a courtship using English/Japanese dictionaries. They had 3 children. They were divorced in 1980 after a 30 year marriage. Chet met Shirley Burkey at a square dancing group and they were married in Citrus Heights, CA on September 8, 1990. He was a former member of two square dance clubs, and a former bowler; Chet had been active in Jeep Clubs in California, and operated a gun business (B and s Guns) with his partner, John Blackwell in citrus Heights. After moving to St. Maries, in retirement, Chet enjoyed hunting, fishing, gunsmithing, going to gun shows, and the early a.m. coffee group at Bud's Restaurant. Chet and Shirley also traveled to Korea, China and Australia and throughout the USA. He was a life-long blood donor. Chet was a member of St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Fleet Reserve Assn, 17th Infantry Assn. (The Buffaloes), the Veterans of Underage Military Service, Veterans of foreign Wars, The American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, The Chosen Few (men who fought at the Chosen Reservoir in Korea), Korean war Veterans Assn (The Graybeards) and the National Rifle Assn. Chet is survived by his wife Shirley at the family home. Son and daughter-in-law Steve and Rosemary Slade of Brisbane, CA, daughters Rita Powell and Linda Moore of Florida. Several grandchildren including Eric and Yetta Salde-Eklos both of San Francisco, CA., sister and brother-in-law Nellrita and Steward Barrick of Clinton, OK Nephew Ross (Lou) Barrack of Kingfisher, OK, Niece Paula barrack-Glancy of Clinton, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Miwako "Jeanie" Slade. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic church, 10th and Jefferson, St. Maries. Refreshments will be served following services at the Benedictine Hall across the street from the church. At his request, inurnment will be in Butler, OK near his parents graves. The family suggests memorials to either the St. Maries Lighted Cross Fund, c/o Ginny Oakes 1117 Main, # 11, St. Maries, ID or to the St Maries Veterans Memorial Fund c/o Sara Renner, Benewah Co. Treasurer 701 College Ave. St. Maries, ID 83861 Read Chester "Chet" Slade's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.