Remembering Fred H. Slaughter SMSGT, USAF (RET)

Fred Henry Slaughter was born April 30, 1936 in Valley Mills, TX to the parentage of Mr. Curtis Slaughter and Mrs. Myrtle (Henry) Slaughter.

Early in Fred’s life, the family moved to Peoria, IL where he received his formal education and graduated from high school under the Peoria School System. In 1955 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country with pride and honor for 28 years. During his tenure, he served one tour of duty in Viet Nam, three overseas assignments, and various state-side assignments. He received several military decorations, medals, and ribbons including citations for exceptional, superior abilities in human relations and unselfish devotion to local community. He completed his last duty assignment at USAF Hospital, Robins AFB in Georgia where he honorably retired in 1983 as a Senior Master Sargent (SMSGT) Medical Service Superintendent. After military retirement, Fred continued serving his country as a federal civil service employee. He was employed at Robins AFB as a Sheet Metal Mechanic for a few years before personally reassigning himself to the full-time role of “house husband” – a position which he proudly took on for Izzy and which he did very well.

Fred loved the sport of baseball. Throughout his life, you could always find him playing, coaching, umpiring, or watching a game. He especially loved encouraging/supporting/coaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was so devoted to his grand-kids that he would often get in his car and travel hundreds of miles from state to state just to watch them play a game. Fred was also an avid bowler. He regularly participated in local, state, and national tournaments and he was a well-known respected bowler in the local leagues.

Fred’s most memorable moments were spent with family. He married his beloved wife, Isabelle “Izzy”, on April 29, 1961, and to this union two children were born. As a family, they traveled and lived all over the world but Mr. Slaughter ensured that they always stayed connected to their extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He especially loved attending The Slaughter-Warner Family Reunions.

Mr. Slaughter departed this life on August 14, 2021. His loving wife of 46 years, Isabelle Slaughter, daughter, Jacqueline Edwards, and parents Curtis and Myrtle Slaughter preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his fond and loving memories his daughter, Tracey Young (Ervin) of Chesapeake, VA; two grandsons Martin “J.J.” Edwards, Jr. of Ft. Worth, TX and Jordan Young of Chesapeake, VA; four great-grandchildren, Jaylen, Jaxon, Jayce, and Jrue of Ft. Worth, TX; and a devoted son-in-law Martin Edwards, Sr. (Denise) of Fort Worth, TX. Seven brothers and sisters, Bobby (Claudia) of Laurelton, NY, Walter (Helen) of Newburgh, NY, Willie (Ann) of Peoria, IL, James (Debbie) of Peoria, IL, Betty Duncan (David) of Peoria, IL, Judy Slaughter of Peoria, IL, and Michael of Livermore, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

While at home or with family, Fred enjoyed watching his favorite TV shows and the Atlanta Braves in his easy chair. Quiet and unassuming, a humble gentle man, he exemplified kindness, strength and humility. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to the following: Meals on wheels- warner Robins or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.