G. Earl Slagle, age 88, of Manhattan, Kansas, died Tuesday evening, August 26, 2014, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.
He was born on December 23, 1925, in rural Beeler, Kansas the son of Vern and Ivy (Prose) Slagle.
During World War II, Mr. Slagle served as a Merchant Marine until his honorable discharge in 1945.
On September 16, 1945, in Dighton, Kansas, he was united in marriage to the former Wanda I. Orrell. They made their home in Manhattan for over 60 years. Mrs. Slagle preceded him in death on March 12, 2014.
Mr. Slagle was a longtime employee of Kansas State University where he worked as a Forestry Technician, prior to his retirement in 1990. Following his retirement he went to work for Winrock International which was working on a reforestation project in Pakistan.
Mr. Slagle was a member of the United States Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, the Yard Art Classics Car Club of Manhattan and founding member of CREST (Citizens Radio Emergency Standby Team) in Manhattan. Outside of his memberships he was an artist with a permanent exhibit of his artwork at the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas, Kansas. Other areas of interest were being a poet, inventor, private pilot, world traveler, gardener, beekeeper and wood and metal worker.
He is survived by three sons: Tom Slagle and his wife Tammy, Lincoln, Kansas; Gary Slagle and his wife Rhonda, Belvue, Kansas; Stacy Slagle and his wife Norma, Wamego, Kansas, one daughter: Julie Slagle and her partner M.L. of Manhattan, Kansas, and a son-in-law: Rich Bassett of Dover, Kansas. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Shannon Showalter and his wife Tawnia, Perry, Kansas, Jared Slagle and his wife Jessica, St. Marys, Kansas, Matthew Slagle, Wamego, Kansas, Melissa Janulis and her husband Wade, Manhattan and three great grandchildren: Tate and Hailey Showalter and Cooper Slagle. He is also survived by one brother: Eldon Slagle, Manhattan, Kansas and a sister-in-law: Gertrude Slagle of Pratt, Kansas.
In addition to his wife Wanda, he was also preceded in death by one daughter: Ronda Bassett, a grandson: Strider Showalter, three sisters: Velma Slagle Stout, Bernie Slagle Sculley Nauerth, Neva Slagle Bollinger and a brother: Floyd Slagle.
The family received friends during a visitation from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Memorial services were held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Wesley Paddock officiating.
Inurnment of the cremated remains will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014, 10:30 A.M. in the Buda Cemetery near Beeler, Kansas.
On-line condolences may be left for the family at this website by clicking on “Sign Guest Book” link above.
Memorials have been established for the Manhattan Arts Center, Manhattan, Kansas and for the Grassroots Art Center, Lucas, Kansas. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.