Richard Paul "Rick, Rit or Dick" Slates

            Richard Paul “Rick, Rit or Dick” Slates, 84, formerly of Altoona died Friday June 1, 2018 at Ridgeview Healthcare, Curwensville.

            He was born June 20, 1933 in Altoona a son of the late W. Paul and Margaretta Catherine (Tressler) Slates. He married Donna J. (Laughlin) Shaffer on July 19, 1997 in Altoona.

            Surviving are his wife, Donna; a son, Gene Himes of Altoona; three grandchildren, Angel, Shane and Brad; numerous great grandchildren; five stepchildren, Wanda Lee (Merritts) Ingram in Texas; Melissa Ann (Merritts) Wertz of Altoona; Laura Mae (Gildea) Hoffman of Altoona; Raymond Charles Shaffer of FL;  Timothy Hamilton of Altoona; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by a brother, William H. Slates.

Mr. Slates was a member Bethany Lutheran Church, Altoona where he was a member of the Men’s Bible Class.

            He was a 1951 graduate of Altoona High School.

            Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1952 to 1956 attaining the rank of Hospitalman Third Class.

            He retired as a mail carrier from the United States Postal Service, Altoona in 1997 after 44 years’ service.

            He enjoyed baseball and football and was a member of the V.F.W., Hollidaysburg Post.

            Dick was an umpire/referee for nearly 40 years.

            Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday June 5, 2018 at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., 501 Sixth Avenue, Altoona where a funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Drew McCaffrey officiating.

            Interment will be made at Blair Memorial Park, Bellwood.

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