George Wesley Slater

George Wesley Slater was born April 5, 1939, at Byers, Colorado, the son of Wesley Alvin and Esther Anna (Bevard) Slater. He died June 16, 2017, at Lincoln Community Hospital, Hugo, Colorado, at the age of 78. Following graduation from Byers High School in 1957, George enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country from 1962 to 1965. This included a one-year tour of duty in South Korea. George was well-respected by his fellow-soldiers, including superior officers. He was a trained Nike Missile crewman. While serving in this capacity he received a Good Conduct Medal and received recognition in marksmanship on both Rifle and Pistol. After serving honorably, he was discharged from the Army. George worked for Hughes Aircraft in California for a time before returning to his roots on the farm in Eastern Colorado. George married Marjorie E. Benson Frank on March 29, 1974. In doing so, he acquired the additional blessing of a five-year-old daughter, Connie, whom he adopted. George and Marj successfully farmed and ranched for many years southwest of Limon. Since 1973 George was a member of the church of Christ in Limon, where he served first as a Deacon and later as an Elder for several years. He was also an active member of the Deer Trail Old Timer’s Roundup, often helping to organize the annual banquet. George thoroughly enjoyed restoring old tractors and other farm equipment (including one manure spreader)! He was a first-rate mechanic and a talented electrician. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, William Slater; and an infant daughter. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of the home south of Limon; one daughter, Connie (Kevin) Ozburn of Colorado Springs, CO; one sister, Leah (Tim) Eckley of Bowling Green, KY; one brother, Joe (Marietta) Slater of Justin, TX; and by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and neighbors.