Walter H. Slack of Butler, Pennsylvania died on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Newhaven Court at Clearview following an extended illness. He was 85. Walter was born in Lockport, Illinois 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 (Illinois) Junior College. 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, PA, 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.
Walter was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys, and father, Walter, of Lockport, IL and by his brother David of Mesa, AZ. In Butler, he is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen, and by his daughter Carolyn (Ned) Hemphill and grandchildren Caitlyn and Colton. He is also survived by his sons, Greg (of Flagstaff, AZ) and Jeff (of Pittsburgh) and their families, and by a sister and nephew in California.
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.
At Walter’s request, no viewing or funeral service will be held.
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 atwww.humaneanimalrescue.org; or Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh by calling 412-692-3900 or online at www.givetochildrens.org/tribut
Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001.
Online condolences may be left at www.thompson-miller.com.
