George Dale Slaughter
August 24, 2013 ~ August 21, 2013
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
George D. Slaughter, 79, passed away Aug. 21, 2013. Survived by his children, Maria (Gary) Netherland of Littleton, Colo., and George Darin (Melanie) Slaughter of Greeley, Colo.; grandchildren, Tyler and Emily Netherland, Dylan and Aurora Slaughter; siblings, Bob (Claudette) Slaughter of Pueblo, Pat Weber of Lincoln, Neb., and Beverly (Bill) Wettstead of Crete, Neb. Preceded in death by parents, George T. and Fern (Patton) Slaughter; wife, Charlotte; siblings, Larry Slaughter and Betty Jo Lacey. George was born Aug. 24, 1933, in Wymore, Neb. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy. George taught 31 years in District 60 at the Thatcher School until it closed, then at Somerlid until his retirement. He was a tour bus guide at Yellowstone National Park for many years. He enjoyed trips to Cripple Creek. George was a member of First United Methodist Church. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, 11th and Court, with the Rev. Dr. Rick Calhoun officiating. In lieu of food and flowers, memorials may be made to the Pueblo Soup Kitchen through the funeral home. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
George is my uncle! Uncle George. Greatest uncle a person could have. So many memories. He sat me on his lap and let me steer his truck when I was 5 years old. He brought us kids especially large pencils from Yellowstone for years. He left a toaster in our kitchen one year as a gift. He was an incredible runner for many many years. He was so good to us. China Lantern is just not the same without uncle George. When uncle George got sick I went to see him at the hospital prior to him being diagnosed. He was laying on his side. He motioned me to come closer and he said “give me a hug!” We miss you uncle George! We loved and always will love Uncle George until we meet again in Glory.
I just came across this, and my heart sank. I recognized “Mr Slaughter’s” face immediately. I was also his student at Thatcher. He was tough, but he was a fair, and made sure that his students learned what was needed from him. I struggled with Roman numerals, so he had me stand at the blackboard until I got them mastered. I admit that they aren’t of much use, but I can tell when movies were made, and I always understand which Olympic year we are celebrating! I’m so happy that he had a fun retirement, and I hope his family knows that I have though about him many times over the years, and I will think of him whenever I see those pesky Roman numerals!
Elainne, thank you so much for sharing your story about Dad! He loved teaching and he loved his students! Maria Slaughter Netherland
I am saddened to know the world has lost a great mam. He was my sixth grade teacher at Thatcher. His reputation preceeded him. My friends and family feared for me. “he’s the meanest teacher at the school!” Or so I was warned. The short school year I spent with him was filled with enrichments beyond the ABCs & 123s. His class was the first class in which I started to have a sense of self worth. He did nothing spectacular. His everyday treatment of all students revealed his deep appreciation for everyone as an individual. He was the first teacher I noted to treat everyone equally. Regardless of color and especially regardless of economic status. I was a poor kid and treated as such by many teachers. But never treated poorly by him. He made me feel just as important and just as smart as the “rich” kids. George slaughter was the beginning of my success story. thank you. You will be missed
Maria and Darin,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of your father but also your mother. They were special friends and we will always miss them. We are forever grateful for their friendship, specially during the years we shared as colleagues and as you and our children grew and matured. May the Lord Jesus Christ keep you both strong during this very difficult time.
I am saddened by the passing of George and would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his children, grandchildren and entire family. A former Thatcher Elementary student in the 60’s and reconnecting with him in the 80’s by association with other District 60 teachers and southern Colorado runners, I was lucky enough to see George quite often. That sparkle in his eyes when he smiled and laughed is unforgettable! A great man and true friend has passed before us…..With love and respect……you will be missed.
Maria and George my deepest sympathy to you and your families on the loss of your father. Once we were runners. He was far better and faster than I. Over the years he never ever failed to honk and give me a high five as I was walking. I admired your parents for they were truly a model for us. I shall miss them.
Steve Hiza
We will certainly miss George and his smiling face in the neighborhood. It was always a pleasure to see him. Our prayers and sympathy to the family.
Kathy (Freeman) Wernsman
George was my favorite teacher. He was strict like my Dad and had high expectations for me, which was just what I needed, to help me focus and be the student I could be. He had all four Freeman sisters and we all really enjoyed him.
He also came to visit me in Haxtun, Co. when my son was struggling with his cancer. He knew what it was like. I will never forget that. How many teachers would do that for a student they had about 38 years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and my deepest condolences to all of the family. I want you to know that I feel very blessed to have known George Slaughter.
I first met George at a poker table at the Midnight Rose Casino in Cripple Creek and will always remember him as a great player but even more as a kind and gentle man! We often shared a cup of coffee together from the casino next door.. he loved the French vanilla cream in his coffee as did I and he often brought over a cup for both of us before the poker game started! I will miss our coffee and poker time together George .. my condolences to your family! Karen
George was a good man and a good neighbor to my parents since the 1970s. He will be missed on La Huerta Street, as Charlotte has been. Deepest condolences to Maria, Darin and their families.
My condolences to Mr. Slaughters family. Your dad and grandfather was a hero. He touched so many lives as a teacher. He was the teacher that was the biggest impact in my life. I learned so much from him in sixth grade at Thatcher-respect, pride, humility, compassion, strength and knowledge. I have so many memories of sixth grade. I was in the class that got to name his ice cream shop, The Big Dipper. Thank you and God bless you Mr. Slaughter. May you rest in piece.
Dear Maria, Darin and the rest of George’s family, I am very sorry for your loss. George was a great man and dear friend to my Mom, Connie Percival and Dad, Robert Percival, my brother, Brandon and I. I remember many fun times with George, Charlotte, Maria and Darin growing up. Camping trips and other family celebrations! He was one of my Zmom’s best friends/fellow teacher at Thatcher and Somerlid! Prayers to his loved ones. Connie, George and Charlotte are all together again as our Guardian Angels. Love and hugs, Mandy Percival Smith
LISA GONZALES -LAWSON
PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. I WAS SO SAD WHEN I READ THAT MR. SLAUGHTER HAS PASSED. I HAVE KNOWN MR. SLAUGHTER SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL WHEN I WENT TO THATTCHER SCHOOL. HE GAVE ME THE NICKNAME GIGS BECAUSE I LAUGHED SO MUCH. WHAT A MAN HE WAS FOR LUNCH WE WOULD WALK WITH HIM AND MR. PITTS THEY WOULD GO EAT AT THE OLD CENTENNIAL AND WE LIVED HALF A BLOCK FROM THE OLD CENTENNIAL. WHEN LUNCH WAS DONE WE WOULD MEET AND WE WOULD ALL WALK BACK TO THATCHER. HE WAS A BIG PART OF MY LIFE AND I ALWAYS WOULD SEE HIM. WHEN I THOUGHT ABOUT HIM I WOULD TELL EVERYBODY ABOUT THE STORY THAT THE NICKNAME HE GAVE ME. AS A MATTER A FACT I WAS JUST TELLING THAT STORY AND THEN LEARNED OF HIS DEATH. IT BROKE MY HEART AND I AM SO VERY SAD ABOUT HIS PASSING. HE GAVE US SUCH GOOD MEMORIES. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM HE WAS SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. MICHELE, CHERLY ,MARC AND OF COURSE MY SELF. WHO ALSO WENT TO THATCHER. MY MOTHER NEW HIM VERY WELL ALSO HE WILL BE EVERYBODIES ANGEL. I KNOW HE WILL ALWAYS BE MINE. MUCH LOVE LISA GONZALES-LAWSON
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am deeply saddened by Mr. Slaughters passing. I have know George since I was in the 5th grade and he was in his first year of teaching at Thatcher School. We remained friends over the years and he was such an inspiration to me and also to my children. He was a sweet, gentle spirit and that great smile!
I wish I would of called ya just one more time and listened to your great words of wisdom. I’m sorry that we didn’t get to visit just one more time, but my life is so blessed for having know you, George, you were such a great gift to this world and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your complimentary words and your encouragement throughout the years. I love ya and you will live on in my heart!!