Kurt Charles Slater
Kurt was born to Charles and Donna Slater on November 7, 1963. He graduated from Wooster High School in 1982. Kurt was a sports enthusiast and excelled at Basketball, Football and Baseball playing all throughout his Senior year with his friends. Kurt teammates called him “the hammer” due to an arm pad that had been through hundreds of games and practices being shown in a Daily Record picture raised high in the air coming down on his foes. His claim to fame in High School Football was causing and recovering a fumble at the end zone, ending the 7 – 0 win over rival Orrville High School. (Closing out an “undefeated” football season.) Kurt graduated from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Kurt started working at United Parcel Service (UPS) shortly after starting at BGSU. Kurt was a dedicated employee that worked his way up from Sort to Supervisor. Several people shared these feelings about Kurt’s commitment to his friends and teammates at UPS below.
“For 39 years, Kurt dedicated his career to UPS, but his greatest commitment was always to the people he served alongside. He was more than a colleague or business partner; to many, he was a mentor and father figure, and to others, a trusted friend and brother.
Kurt was a man of unwavering integrity, approaching every situation with honesty, fairness, and compassion. He earned the trust of all who knew him, and those facing challenges consistently sought his guidance, support, or simply his attentive ear. He would refer to himself as the “old man” and all of us called him when we needed advice.
He often remarked that the best plans were formed on a bar napkin after the sort, and time and again, those plans proved effective because of the partnership he created. Kurt’s home was always open to his UPS family, and if you were down in Bowling Green you were going to stop in and see the old man.
Kurt’s influence extended far beyond his professional role. He will be deeply missed, and the impact he made will remain his legacy. His name and contributions will never be forgotten at UPS Maumee.”
Several UPS employees met their spouses “through” Kurt and he attended many of his employees’ weddings and the births of their children.
Kurt also had good friends that he spent time with. Some of his friends he had known since kindergarten, and they remained friends through the years. He used his time off work to spend with family but also with his friends. He frequently went to the Kentucky Derby, Las Vegas, Windsor and Detroit to try his hand at gambling or betting on the horses. He accompanied his friends to the Kentuck Derby for 15 Years between 1986 and 2015 which only extended his network and intensified his friendships.
Kurt is survived by his parents Charles and Donna Slater of Wooster, his sister Jennifer of Wooster, and brother Jeff of South Carolina along with his sister-in-law Theresa, nephew Colin, and niece Sydney. He is preceded in death by his nephew Sean Slater. And he leaves behind his HUGE ‘family’ at UPS.
. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church at 301 North Market Street in Wooster, Ohio where he was baptized. A light meal will be served following the service. There will be no calling hours.
The arrangements are being handled by McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Bill McCreary, Class of 1982 Bill McCreary has been involved in a lot of important football games as a player at Wooster High and then Bowling Green, and as a coach for the Generals. But the one he remembers most was his senior year at WHS, when the Generals scored late in the game to defeat archrival Orrville 7-0.”It was snowing, it was a tough defensive battle, we kept hearing how great they were and that we never beat them in junior high or as freshmen, and how it was going to be more of the same. We came together and each of us gave the best performance of the season,” he remembers of that cold night in 1981.
I’m so very sorry to hear about The Hammer’s passing. I grew up with Kurt, and although I hadn’t seen him in a few years, I always considered him a good man, and a good friend. My most heartfelt condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Slater, Jeff, and Jenny.
K.C. will be missed.
Kurt was a dear friend and mentor. This friendship grew during my time with Kurt at UPS and continued for nearly a decade after I left. He had such a big heart. An example, Kurt let my daughter park her car in his driveway this year, as she lives across the street from that last remaining house on Wooster. Refused to take any money from me. I loved that man, and will miss our conversations.
Kurt and I worked together for over 30 years at UPS. Kurt was someone with unwavering integrity and loyalty. Kurt and I spent many hours discussing a variety of topics of which I always valued his opinions. Kurt was very intelligent and I would often go to him for advice on a variety of matters. Kurt’s character created a long following from people who he touched. I personally respected him very much as a person, friend, and long time co worker. UPS lost a good one. All of us will miss him dearly. Condolences to his family.
May Jesus provide you comfort during this time. “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 KJV
I worked with Kurt for several years. Kurt was “that guy” who everyone went to because he had wisdom and integrity. Kurt may have missed his calling. His voice was one that could
have done radio. Kurt, I think I speak for many UPSERS when I say, I’ll miss
our conversations.
I worked in a different department than Kurt at UPS. When our paths crossed in the Hub, I remember having many conversations with Kurt. He always stood out to me to be a hard working, straight shooter UPSer and just an all around good guy that was respected by many. I’m sure the Maumee Hub will miss him. My condolences to his family.
Kurt and I were roommates in college and coworkers at UPS for many years. I’m saddened by his passing. He was a good friend. You will be missed
what heartbreaking news we all received on Monday the Kurt was no longer with our ups family my last interaction with him was peak season he was instructed to go help out at pd-14 and I was there doing retapes and he was just being so silly and we were talking and having a good time and I had the best belly laugh ever I’ll never forget that night and since here in the news on Monday I make my rounds and I look up at small sort knowing he’s not there and I say your prayer or rest in peace my friend Kirk and along with our ups family , it just saddens me it doesn’t feel the same walking into that building that knowing he’s not there but his memories and his soul will be in that building forever may you rest in peace my friend, Denise Rogers…. UPS is lost one of the best!!! this is why you wake up every morning and feel blessed you never know what the next day is going to bring.
I’ve been trying to find the right words to express how important of a person Kurt was to so many of us at ups. I still can’t really find the right words. He was my boss in small sort the last few years, and I feel lucky to have had that time with him. He really had a way of making me believe in myself, even on my worst days. Kurt had the best sense of humor. I loved annoying him. I loved hearing him laugh. I’m going to miss this tiny sneeze he had that always was so silly to me. He was so much fun to be around and just a genuinely good hearted man. He made a lot of peoples lives better just by being him. He really cared and there’s not a lot of people like that.
Kurt was a terrific partner in the truest sense. He demonstrated so many of the leadership qualities that we all admired. The most impressive and consistent of these was his active listening in every situation. The world is a lesser place without him with us. Our prayers go to his family.
Kurt was a mentor to many, and a friend to all. Kurt’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our team. He led with an unmatched wealth of wisdom and a heart that found the good in every soul he met. He saw the good in us until we started to see it in ourselves. That kind of soul is rare, and his absence leaves a hole that can’t be filled. Rest in peace to a true LEGEND the “Old Man” in all of our lives. Our prayers go out to the family.
I can say we all had so much love and respect for Slater because he treated us all with love and respect no matter what was going on with him. As our boss he never made us feel any less than him, but we were all on same level working toward one goal. I remember driving out to ups when I was in town to see people. I knew I’d see Slater outside the guard shack having a smoke. It was good to see and talk to him. My heart is heavy. So thankful our paths crossed.
Anyone who grew up as friends with Kurt and Jeff in Wooster were always welcomed as part of the Slater family. I’m sure we all have many stories about those times, all of which helped make us who we are today. It sure sounds like Kurt carried that welcoming sentiment through his life after Wooster and continued to have a great impact others in a life well-lived. You’ll be missed, Big Man. Sincerest condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Slater, Jeff and Jenny.
Slater was definitely a great staple at UPS during good times and bad, old times, and new.
I was so looking forward to hear he finally retired, not passed away. His retired girls will never forget him. When we get together, we laugh so hard of experiences of the good old days.
RIH Kurt Slater
Had the great pleasure of speaking with Kurt a few weeks back. Great UPS soldier and longtime friend. Blessed to have known him and to have spoken one final time. It was honestly like we’d never lost touch. You will be missed my friend.
I had the pleasure of working with Kurt the last 10 or so years in small sort. It’s still hard to believe I’m not going to see him standing outside the guard shack having a smoke, or the looks he would give me for always telling him we had an hour and a half to go, even if we just started the day. He was a good guy and I’m going to miss him.
Kurt was a great partner. There are so many stories, memories, and conversations. Kurt was always interested in making others better, including myself. The UPS family lost a Legend. RIP Slater. My deepest condolences to the family and my UPS partners he impacted everyday. Another good one gone too soon.
REST IN PEACE A TRULY REMARKABLE PERSON GLAD TO HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH YOU SLATER.
Slate Dog was one of the best Supervisors, mentors and friends anyone could ask for. He was loved by many and his name definitely will live on. And a damn good pitcher on that softball field. UPS LEGEND lives on.
Kurt was a great friend to many. I cherish the times I was with able to spend with him both inside and outside of UPS. He was a great partner at work and an even better friend. Rest in peace, Hooper.
So sorry to hear of Kurt’s passing, I worked with Kurt for many years at UPS he was a true one-of-a-kind UPS partner and I’m sure will not be easy to fill his shoes. Rest in Peace Kurt
So sad to hear about Kurt’s passing. He was truly one of the great ones. Was honest and caring and when ever I had a problem with my pay check or time card, he always took care of it. When I took over the dmp cage and got it organized and cleaned up and running smooth, he was the 1st person to come up to me and say great job and thanks. The only time he gave me a hard time is when I would venture up to his area in small sort and start talking to someone up there, he would eventually come and tell me to leave his workers alone so they can do their jobs, which I did. Highly respected the man. Big loss to the UPS family. Deepest Condolences to his family and friends.
Wow! The news was shocking. We all loved Slateman. I worked with him for many years. He was quite a character. I’m retired and about a year and a half ago I came into the building after 10 years to see some of my former workmates. It was so good to see him. He will be missed. May the family take comfort in what Jesus said to Lazarus. He’s just asleep and soon John 5:28 will come true. He will come out of the Memorial tomb and enjoy life on a beautiful paradise earth. My condolences to the family. 😢
Jeff , Jenny & Mr. & Mrs. Slater,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Kurt. May he rest in peace.
Sending love and light for comfort at this time and always.
Candy Zimmerman-Watts
My heart is heavy hearing about Kurt’s passing. Good boss,good friend. My condolences to his family. RIP Kurt 😔🙏
First my thoughts and prayers go out to his family as you all work through this difficult time. Hoping that the outpouring of comments, memories and gratitude provide a small view of the level of impact Kurt had on so many people. I was fortunate to spend 4 years with Kurt pretty much every night during my days as a part time supervisor at UPS and most every weekend. Either playing softball, frequenting the local establishments in the BG or Toledo area, drives to Detroit and possibly Windsor… to gamble. I was honored to have him as a groomsman at my first wedding and he happy he was able to meet my boys. This past week has been many moments to smile, laugh and cry. Gone way too soon and I will miss our small chats at our birthdays. You were one of a kind Ol’ Dog. Rest in peace my friend.
My Condolences to Kurt’s Family and all his friends from where he grew up at , truly sorry hearing about this unexpected loss , God has an awesome man with him in his presence now for eternity ,, I had worked at UPS years ago for 12 years as a Sorter , and one of my best friends growing up as kids and still are till this day ” Kenny McBride ” , “he was a supervisor on Twilight Shift out in the PD’s ” ,,, we hung out frequently at his house in Bowling Green and would meet up in other establishments quite frequently , even when both of us left UPS ,, we were talking about and reminiscing about Kurt , and the first thing that both of us said and that came to mind,, is Kurt was hands down , one of the best supervisors you could ever have , doesn’t even matter , UPS or No UPS , the other jobs / company we all went to after working there , he was a legit honest and fair man , was very down to earth and could talk to him man to man , very very rare you find that anymore in any company to work for , and all the remaining workers and supervisors pay UPS should take notes and strive to be who he was and how he was because he was the best, not as a worker and his position but as a person all around in general ,,, Kurt you will be missed , as a Respected Free and Accepted Mason , SO MOTE IT BE !
Kurt was always cool calm and collected. I was fortunate to be his teammate during that undefeated season, and I saw first hand why his nickname was “The Hammer”. So many great memories. Kurt gave the most sound advise, but my favorite memory of Kurt took place at Freedlander Pool in the late seventies. All the cool kids would be in the deep end and that’s how I met Kurt . I couldn’t touch the bottom and he would let me hang on his shoulder and I remember feeling so grateful. R.i.P. my friend. Thoughts and prayers to the family
Kurt was amazing friend and co-worker. He always took the time to talk to his employees and assist them with any work issues the had. He will be missed by everyone. Condolences to his family.
STAN…the Man, the Myth, the Legend…
My utmost condolences to Mr. & Mrs
Slater, Jeff & Jen & may the Lord give you Godspeed in your healing from his
Sudden & untimely departure from our lives!!…What mostly comes to my mind from our time together growing up in Jr. & High School was Laughter!!!
The trouble we got into & the fun we had doing it, from the sneaking out at night to the keg party’s to the canoeing down the Mohican river in Loudenville Oh., to the painting of the Orville bridge!! They were Always classic humorous stories to share forever, and when we were done for the night, we always ended up going thru the Burger King drive thru for those bacon double
Cheeseburgers before heading home and looking forward to the next day’s adventures that again would surely be filled with Laughter!!!
RIP My Friend
God speed, Kurt. My heart is heavy for your family right now. I trust your spirit is flying high.
With our deepest sympathy to the Slater family on behalf of the Martin family neighbors with Charles Donna, Jenny, Jeff and Kurt, for 43 years, as is everyone who commented or anyone whoever knew or met Kurt, embraced him as the gentle soul, he was surely Kurt. You will be missed by everyone, including all your old friends from the class of 82 Worcester high school. Rest in peace Kurt. You will be forever, remembered your neighborhood friend love Tammy.
Kurt was always welcoming and just plain hilarious. He was also gruff. Take a moment to get past a tough exterior and you’d laugh daily. He and Keith Hesser would riff off-the-cuff on just about any subject and I’d feel like a goof as I tried to stifle yet another laugh. My life is richer for having known Kurt.