William J. “Bill” Slother, Jr.
William J. “Bill” Slother, Jr., 72, of West Decatur and formerly of Hawk Run, went to be with The Lord on Thursday, August 31, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born on February 28, 1951, in (North) Philipsburg, a son of the late William J. Slother, Sr. and Dorothy Mae (Hilderbrand) Slother.
Bill was a 1969 graduate of the Philipsburg – Osceola Area High School. Following high school, he attended the Pennsylvania State University and graduated in 1973 with a degree in political science. During his years at Penn State, Bill was a part of the Army ROTC program and he served with the 101st. Airborne Division during the Vietnam War era.
Bill enjoyed a number of different professions during his working career; including working as a farmer, as an associate with the “Joe the Motorist” store formerly located in Philipsburg, as a substitute teacher and he also owned / operated a sporting goods store for a time.
Bill was a man with a strong faith in God and he was an active member of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Philipsburg. He served in a number of capacities at the church that included Eucharistic Minister, member of the folk music group, the youth group coordinator and as a Pastoral Assistant. Later in his working career, he served as the Director of Religious Education for the parish until his retirement in 2011.
He was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, Loretto, for over 30 years.
Bill was married on November 30, 1985, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Philipsburg, to the former Caroline I. Muir, who survives at home.
He is also survived by his brothers and sisters–in-law; his aunt and uncles; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with his strong faith, Bill also loved farming, music, the arts and the outdoors. He was a gifted musician and writer that “had a great way with words.”
He was dearly loved by many and will be missed by all that knew him.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 400 S. 4th. St., Philipsburg, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 11 am, with Rev. Matthias Rendon, O.F.M., celebrant.
The visitation will be at the church on Tuesday, from 10 am until the time of the Mass.
Interment will be in SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, RD Philipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.
