Richard Eugene Slater, 80, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2015 at his home. Richard was born on November 13, 1934 in Olney, Illinois, to Buena Vista (Miller) and Joe Slater, the youngest of eleven children.

Richard resided in Olney, Illinois for over fifty years before moving to Mississippi. He was a retired Post Master with over 28 years of service. Richard was a dedicated member of the Elks for 10 years and served on the East Richland School Board for 8 years, serving as President for 4 years.

He had a passion for golf, he loved to fish and spend time with his family and he thoroughly enjoyed reading. Richard was married to Ida Marie (Bennett) Slater and he is survived by daughters, Rose Marie (Juan) Sepulveda, Mary Jane (Sam) Zwilling, Roxanna Rae Behnke, sons, Richard Bennett Slater, and William Clifton (Tina) Slater. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

In 1988 Richard married Dorothy Alice Graham in Anna, Illinois. They enjoyed golf, travel and family while residing on the MS Gulf Coast. Richard is also survived by his stepchildren, Charles Graham, Jameson Graham (Jeannie), Michael Graham, Rebecca Graham, Melonie Williams and RoAnna Chenault (Arlan) and survived by an additional 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.

Richard passed while in the presence of his loving wife and the comfort of his home. As a loving husband, and father, he will be missed by those he's left behind.

A private service will be held for the family.  Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.

Published in The Sun Herald (Gulfport, (MS) – Wednesday,  May 20, 2015