Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 4/7/2004

Billy E. Slabaugh

March 22, 1927 -- April 3, 2004

Billy E. Slabaugh, 77, of Rue Bossuet, South Bend, Ind., died Saturday, April 3, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center.

He was born the seventh child of 10 children on March 2, 1927, the son of Noble H. Slabaugh and Audrey (Neff) Slabaugh. Bill was formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., and most recently in the Park Jefferson Apartments.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley A. (Wendel) of South Bend; four daughters, Blue Thompson (Arnold) of Show Low, Ariz., Joan Etter (Eric) of Munster, Ind., Lynn M. (Ora) Grate of South Bend, Jean Taylor (Steve) of Silver Spring, Md.; a son, Dale Maloney of Anson, Maine; a sister, Laveda Yaciw of Elkhart, Ind.; a brother, Echo Slabaugh of Elkhart; grandchildren, Jamie Taylor, Eric Etter, Elaina Etter, Alvah Maloney and Colraine Fragoso; great-grandchild, Ethan Fragoso; and step-grandson, Mat Thompson.

Bill was a large man, not only in size but he had great sense of humor and loved to make people smile and laugh. He had a gentle heart and soul, and never had a bad word to say about anybody he met. He believed everyone has some good in them and he always tried to make them believe that. He once was in a barbershop quartet and loved to sing. He would cry real tears when he heard others singing. He loved being outdoors, observing people, birds and animals, but best of all he loved his work as a land surveyor. He would always come home from surveying with a big smile on his face. He taught all of his children, family and friends how to love and have a thirst for knowledge that would give them happiness and peace in their lives. He was a very learned man, always interested in what made people tick, and wanted to learn about their heritage and families. He was a genealogist, and had written four books on his family history, and was so particular about details that when he found a few mistakes while writing his first book, he erased the entire thing and started again.

All of us who were touched by Bill will miss his gentle demeanor and his great big love for life. We love you deeply, and will always keep the memory of all you gave us in our hearts. Peace be with you.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the HICKEY Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 3516 E. Jefferson. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.