John Slama

John Joseph Slama, 80, Independence, MO passed away on December 16, 2014 at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care. Visitation will be Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 600 N. Liberty Street, Independence, Missouri on Monday, December 22, 2014 at noon. Interment will be a military ceremony at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO, with full military honors. John was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Slama in November 2014, parents, a sister (Anna), and a brother (Andrew). He was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on February 3rd, 1934. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953, and served in Korea and various Marine Corps bases. He transferred to the United States Air Force in 1959 and served in Germany and at other Air Force installations. In 1966 he became a Warrant Officer in the United States Army and served two tours in Vietnam. He retired in 1973 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. Upon retirement he moved to Independence and received a Bachelor of Business and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He was employed by the City of Independence as a Youth Administrator for the CETA Program. When the CETA program ended, he started a weatherization company, which he operated for three years. He then was employed by the Full Employment Council in various youth programs. John retired in 1996. He was a long-time volunteer at the St. Mary’s outreach program. He was a life member of SERTOMA and served in many capacities, was twice selected an Outstanding Governor for the North Missouri District, and was a long-time Fund District Representative raising money for the SERTOMA Foundation. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council 10746. He leaves daughters: Elizabeth Richman of California, Julie Slama of New York City, Laura Jach (Roman) of Independence, Teresa Longanecker (Gary) of Illinois, Claudia Chandler (Henry) of Georgia, and Angela Chambers (Dennis) of Louisiana; sons: Bradley White (Jeannette) of Florida, Kevin White (Jessica) of Georgia, and David White of Kansas City; one sister, Sister Paula Slama of the Daughters of Charity in Albany, New York; and one brother, Steven Slama (Helen) of New York. He also leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life. To say that he spoiled the grandchildren and great-grandchildren would be an understatement. He was very grateful for the loving care that he received from his family during his last days. One of John’s last wishes was that, in lieu of flowers, donations be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Independence, MO. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)