KALAMAZOO, Mich. — John Henry Slayter, age 84, went to his home star peacefully on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. He was married to the love of his life, Beverly Billings Slayter, for 48 years, and they journeyed together through a beautiful life that took them around the world and into the hearts of family, friends, and the many communities in which they lived.

John was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1934 to Games and Marie Slayter and was raised in Newark, Ohio. He attended Cranbrook Schools and Newark High School; he received a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University where he was commissioned First Lieutenant in the US Army and served his country in the Korean War at Edwards Air Force Base in California before beginning his career in the modular home building industry. He held leadership positions within the National Association of Homebuilders and was honored with the SJ Walters Award from the Building System's Council.

A lifetime entrepreneur, his careers varied from the home building industry, which took him and wife Beverly around the world including Japan, Hawaii, Australia and Canada; to 26 years as owner of Superior Travel in Newberry, Sault Ste. Marie, and Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Of his many vocations his favorite was operating Old Locust Farm, a 741-acre commercial cow-calf operation in Newark, Ohio, where he and Beverly raised their children.

His life was committed to the pursuit of knowledge and service to his community. He was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite and active member for 54 years of several chapters of Rotary International including President of the Sunrise Club of Sault St. Marie, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife Beverly, their son Benjamin Slayter and fiancé Elizabeth Adorjan, their daughter Megan Slayter Jubenville and husband Jeremy, his sons Games Slayter and wife Victoria, John David Slayter and wife Julie Ann, and daughter Julie Slayter Lochmandy and husband Craig, as well as 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, sister Hannah Partridge and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and son Mark Slayter.

The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Heartland Hospice, as well for the love and support of many friends and neighbors.

A celebration of John's life was held by the family on Sunday, June 24 at the home of Megan Jubenville.  A military Interment in Fort Custer National Cemetery with will occur in October. The family requests memorials to Rotary International.  On-line condolences may be sent to the family through Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart, Indiana.