Donald W. Slaymaker

November 17, 2013
Donald W. Slaymaker

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Donald William Slaymaker

Sergeant 1st Class, U.S. Army (Retired)

Donald Slaymaker, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 17, 2013 at home, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born May 9, 1945, to the late William and Dorthea (Gross) Slaymaker in Brooklyn, New York.

Don grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Marleen Smith. He joined the Army in 1962, and married Marleen on May 7, 1964. Don was stationed in Germany for two years as a Field Artillery Lineman, then he and Marleen began an Army career that took their young family to Oklahoma, Maine, New Jersey (where he became a Nike Hercules Missileman) and California (as a Hospital Patient Administrator) until Don was dispatched to Thailand during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, Don?s assignments as NCOIC took his family to West Point, NY, then to Iran, Missouri, Alaska, Maryland, and finally to Fort Lee in Virginia where he retired from the Army. While at Stewart AFB in West Point, as the NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge), Don also had ambulance duty from time to time and once helped deliver a baby in someone?s home. After retirement, Don worked for Lawn Doctor for 11 years, 5500 Condominiums for 9 years, and Stemmle Plumbing for 3 years.

Don?s love of the outdoors was shared by his wife and daughters, who enjoyed their many family adventures. Army relocations often became extended family camping trips; they made sure to stop and explore the variety of new landscapes, customs and opportunities of each unique place. Don was an accomplished hunter and fisherman. Besides deer and small game, Don successfully hunted moose and wild boar. While stationed in Maine he spent months setting up the perfect bear hunting trip, but that was foiled when the US closed the missile site. Fishing was also a lifelong passion; throughout his adult life Don maintained a rod and reel repair service wherever he lived.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Marleen(Smith) Slaymaker; their daughters Lissa Schooley and husband Bill, Sonja Lowe and husband Bill, and Michele Moore and husband Mike; grandchildren Christopher Thompson, Jessica Schattilly, Amy Jo Schooley, Christopher Moore, Madison Brown and Corey Moore; and six great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorthea (Gross) Slaymaker, sisters Connie Corangie and Sandra Cramer, and brother Richard Slaymaker.

Family and friends may call at Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home on Thursday, November 21, 2013, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., with services beginning at 6:00. Funeral home address is 5228 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey. For inquiries call 800-303-1957. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network(pancan.org).The email address for donations is poochhie823@gmail.com

Though short in height, Don lived life large, with love and humor. As Marleen likes to say, ?He was a little man who left a big footprint.? We will miss him dearly.


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  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker

  • November 27, 2013
    Lissa Schooley says:
    My dad was a great man in so many ways - I am very thankful that I had him in my life. My dad was full of fun and humor and loved life and his family. His love of the outdoors was infectious and we love it as much as he did. No matter where we were stationed he could find us a camping spot and hunting and/or fishing for himself. The traveling we did made me appreciate the little things in life you usually take for granted. I miss him so much, but I know that he is watching over us all.

  • November 20, 2013
    Greg Brown says:
    In memory of an old warrior who never lost his spirit and brought life, love and happiness to many.

  • November 20, 2013
    Carol Gravelin says:
    I'm really going to miss my fishing buddy and great friend. In loving memories.

  • November 20, 2013
    june brunow says:
    you are loved and missed so much you were the best brother in law any one could of had thanks so much for all you did for me and my family save a table dance for me
    love you
    june

  • November 20, 2013
    Hillary Campbell says:
    I am sorry for your loss and am thinking of your family at this difficult time.

  • November 20, 2013
    Bambi Huffman says:
    I'm really going to miss you Uncle Donnie, my best dancing on tables partner. Love you.

  • November 21, 2013
    Djavad Mostofizadeh says:
    My heart goes out to Don and all the Slaymaker family. So many random childhood memories, Don's

  • November 21, 2013
    Carol Martin says:
    Marleen and Family,

    On behalf of all the 5100 Monument Avenue Condominium Association Residents and Staff, I want to extend our deepest sympathy.

    Don was a wonderful guy and a pleasure to work with. We are so thankful that he came by to see us when he was in Richmond.

    Don enjoyed life and loved his family, he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

    Your friends at 5100.

  • November 21, 2013
    Sharon & Daniel Fikar says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

  • November 21, 2013
    Jamie Warner says:
    We are sending love and prayers to the family. We will miss you Don.

  • November 22, 2013
    Victor & Sarah Barothy says:
    Sonja - Sarah and I are so sorry to hear about your Dad. He sounds like he was a remarkable and interesting man. Condolences.

  • November 22, 2013
    veronica phillips says:
    ! love you guys you are my family now and you will always be in my heart no matter what will happen in life. I know you guys will make it through. I pay my respected to every one i love you all with all my heart.

  • November 23, 2013
    Wanita and Jonathan says:
    Those we love don't go away...they walk beside us everyday. Unseen unheard but always near

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you always

  • November 25, 2013
    Sonja Lowe says:
    My father was my hero and taught me many lessons

  • November 20, 2013
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home says:
    Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

  • March 11, 2014
    Rich&Ginny Williamson says:
    Marleen, and family
    Rich and I are sorry for your loss of Donny. You are in our thoughts

  • March 12, 2014
    Marleen says:
    Hubby
    Thank you for the last 49 1/2 years. Not always perfect (how boring that would be) but we did them together and that is HUGE.
    Loved you then. Love you now. Always have. Always will.
    Love you more
    Wife

  • March 17, 2014
    Array says:
    Our genuine and heartfelt condolences to Marleen, Lissa, Sonya, and Michele and their extended family in the passing of their loved one, Donald...we are saddened to hear of your loss. Ben and I, have many fond memories ourselves of the father figure he portrayed for my husband, and the good times, and humorous ways, always willing to lend a hand and be the good guy...we know we missed many years here with you, and for that we are at a loss ourselves..but we will always and have always had you in our hearts and will again, one day reunite with you in heaven...with more good times and fun to come....love, hugs, kisses, and respect to you..and yours...always...Ben and Dora Thompson and family

  • July 01, 2014
    Marleen Slaymaker says:
    As we approach this July 4th your absense will once again be hugely felt. You so loved setting off the fireworks as they say "like a kid on the 4th of July" fits you to a T. Your absence is harder to live with everyday.
    At least you have your fireworks partner there with you. So set them up good guys !!
    All my love always
    Wife

  • November 17, 2014
    Lissa Schooley says:
    Dad, today is the 1 year anniversary of your passing and my mind knows that you are no longer suffering and at peace. But my heart still grieves as much today as it did on the day of your passing. I take one day at a time and every day I bring up memories of you. I miss your smile, your laugh and just your voice saying Hi. I light this candle for you in your memory - you brought so much light into our lives and taught us so much. You are loved an missed so very much. I love you dad

  • December 04, 2014
    Marleen Slaymaker says:
    Well hubby the first year has come and gone since your passing and it is still getting harder every day.
    Now it's Christmas time and all the memories are flooding back...how the kids used to decorate you as you fixed the lights on the tree....it was always you who put the angel on the tree..that is Nick's job now....
    how you only wanted to wrap even boxes and refused to put ribbons and bows on.....our very early Christmas' staying up half the night putting toys together for the girls...the Christmas eve gatherings at the house...the quiet time after everyone had left and the kids asleep and all was done how we would sit on the couch or lay in the bean bag and just look at the tree and lights with music playing, talking about the past year and at midnight wish each other a Merry Christmas and seal it with a long hug and kiss. These are all wonderful memories and I am blessed to have them but they can only do so much..they don't have arms to hold me or lips to kiss me or words to assure me everything will be alright or to whispher "goodnight...I love you"
    Loved you then, love you now,
    Always have, always will
    Wife. ???

  • June 07, 2022
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home posted an image:
    Donald W. Slaymaker
    Donald W. Slaymaker