John Alan Slater

John Alan Slater, known by his close friends as “Johnny” Passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, September 20th 2026 at the Delmar nursing center in Lenexa, Kansas.

John was born in Dodge City, Kansas on August 2nd, 1933. The second of three children born to Alfred H. Slater and Marjorie VanBebber. Being the “middle child” afforded Johnny the space he needed to be his own mischievous self.

Growing up during the depression, and spending a few summers on his grandparent’s farm in Polo, Missouri allowed Johnny many opportunities to explore, pick berries, fish and hunt. All the things that make a boy thrive. He grew up with his older sister Barbara Nell, and his younger brother Alfred Jr. He enjoyed sharing many stories about his years growing up in that environment.

Johnny’s high school years were spent in the Kansas City, Missouri area in a neighborhood called fox hill next to Swope Park. He attended Southeast High School, and graduated in 1951.

Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with a couple of his buddies and was deployed to Korea where he was a Decorated Korean war veteran serving with the 1st Marine Division between 1952-1953. He was a lifetime member of VFW post 6278 in Lawson, Missouri and he enjoyed supporting the Disabled American Veterans.

John was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

John spent his business career working as a master plumber, and created his own business, Slater Plumbing Co. in 1969 where he experienced financial success due to the Johnson County, Ks building boom in the 1970’s.

He married Carol Ann Crowley on January 12th 1957, and they had two children Christopher Alan, and Cindy Ann. The young family moved to Overland Park, Ks in 1962 and stayed in the area until both of their children were adults. In 1979 John retired at the young age of 46, and he and Carol moved to Kearney, Mo where they lived next to the Watkins Mill State Park. They would return to live in the Overland Park area in the 1990’s so they could be closer to their grandchildren. They lived in rural Johnson County until 1997 when his wife of 40 years predeceased him from breast cancer.

John became an avid runner in the 1980’s and won many running events in his age bracket.

One of his life passions was playing pool. He owned more than one fine pool table during his lifetime, and he played on several teams, and won a few championships. His love of this game continued his whole life.

He enjoyed a good game of checkers, and he was not beyond cheating if you didn’t watch him closely. He said he learned this skill from his grandfather.

John was the creator of many hand carved animals and figurines. He whittled many Christmas Ornaments, and he enjoyed giving them to his friends and family members. The project he was most proud of was a set of 10 inch working pipe wrenches, which were carved from three different types of wood and won him a first prize ribbon in competition. He was most pleased that the judges could not figure out how he had made them.

John enjoyed his hobbies, and because he was lucky enough to retire early, he and Carol traveled when they had the opportunity. They spent many years travelling to Mesa, Arizona where they owned a seasonal residence.

A turning point in John’s life came in 1964 when he joined Alcoholics Anonymous. He helped many people lead a clean and sober life through 62+ years of sobriety and participation as a friend of Bill W. He was always willing to share his experience, strength and hope with anyone struggling with addiction. Many of his families most cherished memories are due to his successful journey with A.A.

John was always thankful to God for the many blessings that had been given to him and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carol his wife of 40 years, his younger brother, a son-in-law (John Burnett) and because of his long life, most of his longtime friends.

John is survived by his son, Chris (Debbie) Slater of Bucyrus, Ks., Daughter, Cindy Burnett living in Lenexa, Ks.

6 Grandchildren: Bridgette Fueston (James), Shannon Sunday (Grant), Stacey Ward (Mike), Ryan Slater, John Burnett (Jamie), Cristin Ratliff

15 Great grandchildren: Madison, Grant, Myles, Zara, Ryder, Shelby, Tobias, Tyler-Royce, Cassidy, Aubrey, Autumn, Johnny, Gage, Lily, Emma

3 Great-great grandchildren: Elena, Amberlynn, Everleigh

His sister: Barbara Lamb, and many nieces and nephews

*** John was very proud of his family and cherished chances to take multi-generational photographs.