Aubrey Joe Slape

Aubrey Joe Slape, 88 passed away peacefully at home in Centralia, WA on June 18, 2018. Joe was born in Stephens County Oklahoma to Robert Millard and Jesse Pearl (Barkley) Slape on October 19, 1929. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 68 years, Betty; his sister Dorsella O’Neil, East Wenatchee, WA; three children- James Slape (partner Joyce), Rochester, WA; Kenneth Slape, Onalaska, WA; and Pamela (Mark) Althauser of Centralia, WA; eight grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by one son Dennis, his parents, and three older brothers Doyle, Lloyd and Wade Slape.

Joe grew up on tenant farms in Oklahoma and Arkansas. During World War II at age 14, he moved with his parents to the Walla Walla, Washington area where his older brother Doyle was stationed with the Army Air Force, then on to Zillah, WA in 1945 where he met his bride to be, Betty (Tonnemaker). Joe served four years in the Air Force (1948-1952), spending most of his enlistment at various “Early Warning Radar” sites located at isolated points along the West Coast of the United States between San Francisco, California and Point Barrow, Alaska. After discharge from the service Joe worked at various occupations, eventually retiring from the Washington State Department of Highways after 26 years of service there.

Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, and building things including the home he and Betty have shared for the last 33 years.

A graveside service will be held at the Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis, WA at 11 am on Saturday, June 23, 2018.  

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