Stephen Slate, PhD, Lt Col USAF (Retired), 54, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 19, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Carla, and his sons Joel and Daniel, his daughter Rebecca his Mother, Theresa, from Katy, TX, brother Rick (Kathy) from Springfield, PA, brother John (Terrie) from Holmes, PA, sister Jeanne Bodkin (Bob) from Newtown Square, PA, sister Terry Bratton (Scott) from Houston, TX, sister Kathy Hunter (David) from Southlake, TX, numerous nieces, nephews and devoted friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred.
Steve was born on September 15, 1955 in Darby, PA. He graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School and entered the Air Force Academy in 1973 at the age of 17. After graduating from the Academy he served as a Minuteman Missile Combat Crew Deputy Commander, Commander and Evaluator at Whiteman AFB. In 1981, he was selected as a Minuteman ICBM Operations Evaluator for Strategic Air Command stationed at Vandenberg AFB. In 1984 he was selected to earn his Masters degree in Economics and in 1986 he arrived at the Air Force Academy as an Instructor of Economics. After three years of teaching, he was selected to earn his PhD and attended the University of Colorado. He returned to the Academy in 1992 holding various positions including Director of Personnel, Deputy Department Head for Geosciences, Deputy Department Head and Interim Department Head for the Department of Economics and Geography. Steve was actively involved in research and published numerous articles in a wide variety of journals. He won numerous awards including the Academy’s prestigious McDermott Award for Faculty Research Excellence. Steve’s true love, however, was teaching and found great joy spending time in the classroom with the cadets, many of whom he built long term relationships with. Steve was also an active member of the community and was serving as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors for Air Academy Federal Credit Union.
Steve’s number one passion and love in life was his children. He was a devoted father and centered his life on being a role model for them. Some of his most treasured moments were spending time at the cabin on Farrish with his children fishing and hiking and cheering at his sons’ hockey games. Steve also enjoyed golfing, coin collecting, spending time with friends and family and cheering on the AFA Falcons.
Steve was known by all for his compassion, kindness, humor and wisdom. His gentle soul touched many lives. He will be greatly missed.
A Funeral Mass was held at the Air Force Academy Catholic Chapel. Interment was at the Air Force Academy Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Air Academy Federal Credit Union Foundation: supporting local school districts and children’s literacy in Stephen’s name.