David  F. Slade

Age 79, of Portage passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 22, 1943, to the late Cecil and Evelyn (nee Schultz) Slade in Valparaiso, Indiana. He proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army and retired from US Steel, where he worked as a Local 150 crane operator.   On January 16, 1965, David married the love of his life, Cheryl Price in East Gary at the First Christian Church. He enjoyed going for car rides with his son-in-law, John, margarita nights with his wife (Cheryl) daughter (Kathy) and granddaughter (Jennifer), beef burgundy dinners with his son (Eddie), going fishing, cooking and riding his motorcycle, he treasured the time camping with his grandsons, the time he spent with his family, but most of all he cherished sharing his life and making memories with his wife Cheryl. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.

David is survived by his wife of 58 yrs., Cheryl Slade of Portage; son, Ernest Slade of Portage; daughter, Kathy (John) Messina of Portage; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Raymond) Losiniecki, Amanda Wathern, Ronald (Selena Gonzalez) Wathern, Robert (Priscilla) Wathern, and Eric Wathern; three great grandchildren, Brandon Losiniecki, Trevor Losiniecki, and Nikola Wathern; life-long friends Jerry (Wilma) Krause,  and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harry Dean and Gerald Slade.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 4 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, Indiana 46368. A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to the time of service. Cremation was entrusted to Rees Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368. (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com