Ernest L. Slater — Hansen-Spear

Ernest (Ernie/Lee) Leroy Slater, was born in Quincy, IL on October 1, 1942, to Mary Laura Ellen and Wilford Slater. He passed on to his heavenly home on April 7, 2025.
He farmed his parents Payson farm as a teenager while going to school in Payson, graduating from Seymour High School. He played baseball and basketball in which he excelled. There were three legendary games which he helped to win by making last second baskets.
On July 23, 1966 he married the love of his life, Melanie Neubauer in Quincy. He enjoyed telling the story that she chose him when in actuality, he pursued her in his 1960 baby blue T-bird convertible. He was in the navy at the time of their marriage as an electronics technician responsible for bringing in fighter jets onto his aircraft carrier, the USS America CVA66, using the SPN-10 radar system.
Together they had three gifted children, Scott (Erin) Slater, Eric Slater, and Gabrielle (Mark) Shannan. They were also blessed with five brilliant grandchildren, twins Madeline and Hannah, Maximilian (Max) Slater, and Audrey and Katie Shannan.

After 4 years in the navy, Ernie attended and graduated from Purdue University in Indiana with B.S. in Industrial Engineering. He was also working at the power plant as a technician at the time.

After the birth of their 2 sons, they decided to leave Indiana and raise their family back in Quincy, where their daughter was born.

Ernie was able to find the 30 acre property of their dreams, Blackthorn Bluff, where he built together with Melanie, their forever home. They raised their children in the beautiful country that he loved.

Ernie was a creative genius, trouble-shooter, mechanic, carpenter, builder, teacher, and all around book of knowledge. For nearly 30 years he worked at Gardner-Denver, also with a stint at Colt Industries before returning to Gardner-Denver. Ernie was also president and CEO of a document scanning business, Harrison Publications LLC. in Quincy and St. Louis.

A much beloved and adventurous husband and dad, Ernie took his family on wonderful vacations every year to all parts of the country including Europe.

He was extremely proud of his family’s many accomplishments and activities of which he often bragged.

In spite of his physical disabilities and inability to walk in later years, he enjoyed spending time with family and close friends at the Elks and Eagles Clubs listening to live bands.

Ernie had a subtly humorous nature and his famous “Ernieisms” are a source of hilarious family memories. He was bigger than life, but not in a life of the party way and was appreciated for his endearing personality.

Ernie was beloved as a husband, dad, and grandfather (Papa and Opa) and his physical absence does not mean he is gone completely for his legacy is alive and well in his family. They know he is walking, running, and flying in his heavenly life now.

He is survived by his wife, Melanie, sons Scott and Eric, and daughter Gabrielle. Grandchildren Hannah, Madeline, Max, Audrey, and Katie. Also a sister-in-law Cleo, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Ernie is predeceased by 2 brothers, Bill and Don and his wife Janet, and sister Darlene and her husband Neil.

Special thanks to the Blessing nursing staff for their compassionate care given to Ernie.
Visitation: 9:30 – 10:30 am, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Services: 10:30 am, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with Rev. Ron Graham officiating.

Burial: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Lost Prairie Cemetery, Camp Point, Illinois with full military honors conducted by the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail and Payson VFW.

Memorials: Memorial donations may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church of Lost Prairie, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Memorial Donations may be made onlinehttps://memorials.hansenspear.com

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.