Many local business and community leaders were mentored by Slagle. Some recalled his public speaking training that he taught them.
"There were a lot of friends, family and others whose lives he touched in some way," said Rick Pearce, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton.
The liturgical readings were given by himself and former colleagues, such as retired AK Steel vice president Alan McCoy. Slagle’s son, Rick, also spoke about his father’s life and thanked many in the room for the help and support they gave his dad during his later years.
“The service was very fitting,” said Judy Gilleland, a former Middletown city manager. “Dick would have been very proud of those speaking today who went through his school of public speaking.”
Gilleland was also a pupil of Slagle’s public speaking course as that was something he provided for local officials over the years.
“His son gave a very lovely tribute to his father, talking about his life and how much he loved Middletown,” she said. “The ‘My Way’ song was certainly reflective of the way Dick led his life.”
In a tribute on her Facebook page, Nancy Nix, Butler County Treasurer and a former Middletown councilwoman, said, “This morning we say goodbye to a Middletown icon, Dick Slagle, who was to many of us a long time mentor and friend. I met Dick 15 years ago when I ran for City Council. He offered me a free spot in his public speaking class and after that I would frequently stop by his house for advice and feedback on professional issues. His expertise was invaluable and he never held back his true feelings. His mind and wit remained sharp to the end. We’re all going to miss him. Goodbye, Dick, it’s hard letting you go….”
Ann Mort, a community leader, said, “It was very appropriate…. he did it his way.”
Mort had worked with Slagle on various projects such as the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships when he served as business advisor as well as on various political campaigns.
She said many of those who spoke at Friday’s service were following Slagle’s rules about taking their keys and change out of their pockets. Mort said Slagle truly touched people from all walks of life.
“He did a lot of things behind the scenes and I was proud to call him my friend,” she said. “We worked together to write his obituary so that it had all of the things he wanted it to have and wanted my touch.”
Pat Hayes, who worked with Slagle for 18 years, said Friday’s upbeat service was, “hard to put into words.
“I thought the service was excellent. It was something that he wouldn’t have minded,” Hayes said. “He never liked attention brought to himself, but this was very nice.”
She said Slagle was very creative and loved to work with people on committees and worked them hard. Hayes said Slagle had a way of selecting people for whatever project that needed to be done.
“He brought people together and was the glue of those committees of whatever endeavor he was involved in. He was unbelievable how he ran committees,” she said. “We always had fun. It was a real joy to be a part of his Armco and community organizations.”
Former Middletown city manager and police chief Bill Becker called Slagle a “pretty smart guy” who comes along “once in a lifetime.” He said Slagle was helpful as a sounding board for him during his time as city manager.
"I learned a lot about woodworking and life from him," Becker said. "He was there behind the scenes when I needed help. He believed in Middletown and Middletown is going to miss him."
About the Author
