Walter H. Slack
Walter H. Slack of Butler died Tuesday at Newhaven Court at Clearview following an extended illness. He was 85.
Walter was born in Lockport, Ill., and graduated from Lockport Township High School.
During the Korean War, he served as a gunner on a B-29 bomber in the 22nd Bomb Group, 15th Air Force.
Following his military service, he earned an associate of arts degree from Joliet Junior College, Ill. During this time, he worked as a reporter and feature writer for the Joliet Herald-News. He next earned a bachelor of arts degree and a master of arts degree in political science from the University of Illinois followed by a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Iowa.
In 1959, he married Mary Ellen Peterson in Armstrong, Iowa. Together they moved to New Wilmington, Pa., in 1963, so that Walter could begin his 33-year teaching career in the political science department at Westminster College. In 1968, the couple moved to New Castle where they lived for 45 years before moving to Butler.
A consummate scholar, Walter authored a number of books during his lifetime including “White Athena, Volumes 1 and 2,” a political treatise on the nature of revolution, and most recently, a volume of philosophical poetry titled “Of Life Reviewed.”
In Butler, he is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen; his daughter, Carolyn (Ned) Hemphill; and his grandchildren, Caitlyn and Colton. He is also survived by his sons and their families, Greg of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Jeff of Pittsburgh; and by a sister and a nephew in California.
Walter was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys, and his father, Walter, of Lockport, Ill.; and by his brother, David, of Mesa, Ariz.
The family extends tremendous gratitude to Newhaven Court, VNA Western Pennsylvania, all of Walter's other caregivers and so many loving friends for their compassion and support during this difficult time.
SLACK — At his request, no viewing or funeral service will be held for Walter H. Slack, who died Tuesday, March 6, 2018.Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, Attn: Donations Dept., 6926 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208, or online at www.humaneanimalrescue.org., or Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh by calling 412-692-3900 or online at www.givetochildrens.org/tributedonate.Online condolences may be left at www.thompson-miller.com.
