Robert Slechter

Robert H. "Bob" Slechter, 82, died at 9:45 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007, at Lima Convalescent Home. He was born March 22, 1925, in Lima to Von Kyle and Eva Marie Jones Slechter, who preceded him in death. On Feb. 14, 1947, he married Jeanette Ballinger, who survives in Lima. Mr. Slechter was a maintenance supervisor at Standard Oil for 35 years and was the owner of Elida Hometown Carry-out & Car Wash. He was a member of Sugar Creek Church of the Brethren. He was a member of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54, Fort Amanda Lodge 706 Free & Accepted Masons, the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, the Lima Shrine Club, the Antioch Shrine of Dayton, Toastmasters and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370. He had been a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6741, Elida. He had served as president of the Elida school board. He attended Ohio Northern University. He was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II, serving with the 5th Division in the South Pacific, Iwo Jima and Japan. He received the Bronze Star for rescuing a fellow Marine from in front of a tank during combat in the Pacific Theater. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and watching sports. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Survivors also include two daughters, Roberta (Douglas) Simpson and Sandra (Anthony) Azzarello, both of Lima; four grandchildren, Patrick (Amy) Azzarello, of Bryan, Christopher Simpson, of Columbus, and Amanda Simpson and Anthony J.R. Azzarello, both of Lima; four great-grandchildren, Josie, Lane, Callie and Cacee Azzarello; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Christine Slechter; and two brothers, Von Kyle and James Gilbert Slechter. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Sugar Creek Church of the Brethren. Pastor Marty Moyer and the Rev. Ray Swallow will officiate. Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. in the church cemetery, with military rites by VFW Post 1275. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, where a Masonic and Scottish Rite Ring services will be held at 7:30 p.m., and one hour prior to services Monday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.