Charles "Chuck" Slaughter

Charles Slaughter, affectionately known as Chuck, was born in Streator, IL on February 2, 1947 to Charles R. and Betty B. (Snow) Slaughter.

While serving in the Navy, on board USS Orion, (AS-18), a Submarine Tender normally of the Atlantic Fleet, moored for a while in Bremerton at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. It was during that temporary availability for his ship that Mary Lou and Chuck met. He was 25 years old and smitten almost immediately, Mary Lou, not so much… at first.

Chuck was baptized when he was 12 years old with his dad, Charles Richard Slaughter at Downs, IL Methodist Church

His family moved to Louisville, Kentucky in the late 1950’s where Chuck worked out the horses at Churchill Downs. He graduated from high school and went to Barber School and graduated as a barber, but decided to join the United States Navy. He loved it and right from the start, he decided he would be a lifer. He was able to serve for 13 years active duty at which point he diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was made to retire on disability. Prior to his retirement, he was stationed in Scotland in the 60’s and that is where his daughter Amber Nadal was born.

A Little more than 44 years ago Mary Lou decided that she was in fact smitten too, and they were married in La Mesa, CA while he was still on active duty. Upon his retirement, they relocated back to the Northwest in Port Orchard, WA. They started up the MS Society in Bremerton and were part of it for seven years. While they were attending Grace Bible Church in Port Orchard, they served as Under Shepherds for several years until his MS got worse and they were no longer able to serve the ten families they were working with. We know that was heart breaking for him, but they did begin teaching Bible studies in their home.

Some of the best times were their 4th of July celebrations. Chuck loved to cook, so these were great times for him. They had lots of family and friends and a big barbecue and fireworks at the family home. This year chuck died on July 1st, so there was no celebration for the first time in 30 years.

Chuck was a HAM. HAM radio operator that is, and his operator number was KA7-RTR for which someone gave him the nick name Rubber Tired Rickshaw. He was a great auto mechanic and loved working on cars. He did leather work and made some amazing and nicely detailed things including a set of motorcycle bags for his son, David Halady. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and singing which he was quite good at. He was also a bit of a cowboy at heart always dressing in western style clothes and wearing his boots.

Of the things that he will likely be remembered for most will be his disposition. He was such a wonderful man and never got angry and always managed to keep a good attitude even in the worst of times regarding his health. He loved the Lord and loved his family immensely.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary Lou; daughters Amber Nadal of Tampa, FL, and Lorraine Haselhurst (Eric) of Port Orchard; sons Ted (Pam) of Kent, WA, David Halady and Michael Halady (Julie) of Port Orchard, WA; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Graveside Service at 2:30pm on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Sunset Lane Memorial Park in Port Orchard. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 3:30pm at Rill's Life Tribute Center, also in Port Orchard.