Area Obituaries
Kelly Eugene Slater died on February 9, 2023 at Cooper Creek Cottages Assisted Living in Mattoon. He was born on June 27, 1936 in Casey, Illinois, the first of three sons born to Wilbur Leisel Slater and Doris Jane Funk Slater. He was preceded in death by both parents and brother, William. He is survived by his brother Stanley, who resides in Mattoon. Kelly graduated high school in Upper Sandusky Ohio in 1955, and the family relocated to Lawrenceville, Illinois soon thereafter. He was employed at a local variety and hardware store, and attended one year at Southern Illinois University before enlisting in and serving five years in the United States Air Force. He returned to Lawrenceville and soon became acquainted with Mary Louise McCarty, an elementary school teacher. The couple were married at Pleasant Ridge Christian Church, located in rural Lawrence County in 1963. Mary passed away in May of 2020. The couple did not have children. During the period of their marriage, Kelly became employed by and served many years until retirement from the United States Postal Service in Lawrenceville. Kelly will be laid to rest alongside Mary in the Pollard Cemetery. Funeral arrangements will be conducted on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM CST at the Pleasant Ridge Christian Church, located at 12085 Pinkstaff Lane, Lawrenceville, Illinois 62439. Visitation will be on Monday from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM CST at the church. Emmons-Macey ; Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.
