Weldon J. Slater, of Curtis, Mich., passed away Saturday, November 4, 2006. He was 60.

He was born Aug. 16, 1946 in Valparaiso, the son of Weldon and Eulalia (Pratt) Slater, both of whom preceded him in death.

On July 5, 1969 in Chicago, he married Claudia Hoover, who survives.

He is also survived by daughters: Kelly A. Slater (Keija Yang) of Silver Spring, Md., Melissa K. Slater (Karl Dahnke) of Indianapolis, and Stacey M. Slater (Nick Mauke) of Porter; and two grandchildren Zane and Fayden Moore.

Weldon graduated from Chesterton High School in 1964, received his Bachelors Degree in Music from the Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University in Chicago in 1969 and then went to Vandercook College of Music receiving his Masters degree in 1975.

He was a lifelong musician who taught music education at Forest High School in Hobart, and retired from teaching at Emerson High School in Gary, after 35 years. He was a trumpet player at heart, a champion advocate of Jazz Education, a passionate fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman, and was a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited. Following his retirement they moved to Curtis and enjoyed volunteering at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Weldon was a board member of the Seney Natural History Association and was a member of the Fish Coop Committee of the Curtis Winter Carnival. He was a good and loyal friend to many.

Cremation services have been accorded. The family is planning a memorial service to be held in Indiana at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

Posted 11/7/2006