Frank B. Slates

Frank B. Slates, 93, Nevada, passed away on Monday, May 15, at his home in Nevada. Frank was born Jan. 28, 1924, in a community south of Lamar, to Carl and Mabel (Kunkler) Slates. He was united in marriage to Floris Current on April 23, 1946, in Fort Scott, and she survives of the home.

Frank served in the United States Army in the 273 Field Artillery Battery in World War II. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and on the beach in Normandy. Frank was a sharpshooter and fired big cannons. He was awarded the Bronze Star. After serving in the military as a corporal Frank returned to the Sheldon Area and married Floris. They farmed then worked their way across the country to California. They later returned to the Sheldon area. Frank worked at a gas station, then later owned and operated his own station. They resided on a farm they purchased east of Sheldon. Frank went to work in the 1950s working in heavy construction in the expanding highway system for Gillioz Construction. He worked his way up from laborer to superintendent over several projects in different areas at the same time. Frank did jobs across Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He later worked heavy construction for various companies including Manafee Construction and Snyder Construction. He retired from highway heavy construction in 1986. A few years later Frank and Floris moved to the Nevada area. He enjoyed fishing, coyote hunting and gardening.

In addition to his wife Floris, he is survived by two sons, Leonard and the late Linda Slates of Kansas City, Mo., Max Slates and his wife, Toni, of Hume; grandchildren, Ashley White and her husband, Derik, Ben Slates and his wife, Samantha; three great-grandchildren, Ryelyn and Oaklyn White, and Harper Slates; brother, Charlie Slates; sisters, Martha Livick, and Lois (Pug) Schonewetter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mabel Slates; an infant son, Freddie Dwayne Slates; brother, Gilbert Slates; and sister, Emma Jean Stark.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Scotty Pritchett officiating. Interment will follow in Sheldon Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.