TOPEKA – Patrick James Slattery passed away on December 20, 2021, in Topeka, KS at the age of 71.
Pat was born in Dodge City, Kansas to Ignatius”Niter” and Beatrice “Snooky” (Stegman) Slattery. He graduated from St. Mary of the Plains High School. He enlisted in the US Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1968-1970 as an Airborne Ranger. Pat was highly decorated and was awarded the following service awards: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, and Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
He married Rhonda Page on July 15th, 1971. After having two children, Patrick graduated from Dodge City Community College and Kansas University with a bachelor’s in journalism. Following the loss of their third child, Patrick IV, the family moved back to Dodge City where he worked as a reporter and then editor of the Dodge City Daily Globe. His career then led him to Kansas City where he worked and retired as a Public Affairs Specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
Pat was an avid Jayhawk fan, loved watching the NFL, enjoyed doing crossword puzzles in ink, but above all else, his family was his greatest joy in life.
Pat is survived by his wife, Rhonda; daughter Amanda and husband James Dubin, of Merriam, daughter Crystal and husband Ryan Person of Kansas City, MO; Grandchildren Daniel and wife Michelle Dubin, Nicole and husband Ryan Johnston, Sheryl and husband Ben Dobbins, Anthony Slattery, Tyler and wife Katie Dubin, Darian Jackson, Samantha Easley, Kalen Jackson, and Darius Person; great grandchildren Jaleah, Lylah, Ryan Jr., Dahlia, Rawley, Daisy, Carter, Emerson, Reiney, Tucker, and Evie. Siblings, Tim and wife LaRae Slattery, Susie Campbell and husband Danny and Lori Litton and husband Kyle.
He is preceded in death by his son, Patrick IV, Father and Mother, Ignatius and Beatrice Slattery, sisters Kathleen Slattery and Nancy Slattery.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for January 8th, at 1:30 PM at the VFW Post # 7397, 9550 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS, . All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pat’s life. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Advena Living on 10th in Topeka Kansas for their excellent care of Pat.
There will be a Memorial Funeral Mass at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Wright, Kansas on January 15th,2022 at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Ted Stoecklein presiding. Inurnment will follow with full military honors by KSARNG Military Honors Program at St. Andrews Cemetery in Wright. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www. swaimfuneralhome.com.
