Butch's Life Story

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Butch was a fun-loving man who embraced life with an open heart.

Hosea "Butch" Slater Jr., the son of the late Hosea Slater and Virginia Myers-Slater, was born on February 12, 1952, in Philadelphia, PA. Butch received his elementary through high school education within the Philadelphia School system.

Butch worked as a butcher for many years before going into the trades. He became a skilled laborer, working in construction for 35 years until he retired in 2012.

Butch was a fun-loving man who embraced life with an open heart. He was defined by his deep love for people, his community, and above all, his family.

If you walked past his house, you could often find him sitting comfortably on his porch, ready with a friendly chat and a welcoming smile. Butch had the gift of being able to turn ordinary days into moments of warmth and connection for anyone blessed to cross his path. Together with his wife, Cynthia, and their faithful dog, Lala, always loyally by their side, Butch was a beloved staple at family functions, bringing his signature joy and light to every gathering.

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He had the gift of being able to turn ordinary days into moments of warmth and connection for anyone blessed to cross his path.

More than anything, Butch's life was anchored by a profound and enduring love story. In 1971, on a fateful day at his sister Nettie Mae's house, Butch met Cynthia Lichtener. From that very first day, they were completely inseparable.

For over five decades, they shared a wonderful life built on love, endless laughter, and a genuine, deep enjoyment of each other's company. Though they officially decided to marry in 1998, everyone who knew them understood that their hearts had been joined the moment they met. She was his rock; he was her cornerstone.

Butch was preceded in death by all his siblings: Henry "Monk" Slater, Nell Slater, Wilton "Sonny Boy" Slater, and Nettie Mae Slater-Cheyney. His brother-in-law, Clarence Cheyney; niece Denise Johnson; and nephew Ricky Johnson also preceded him in death.

Butch leaves to treasure his life and cherish his memory his devoted wife of 56 years, Cynthia; Fur baby, Lala; godchildren, Kwanza and Nia Davenport; niece, Bernice Bonaparte (Greg); nephew, Clarence Slater; and host of great nieces & nephews, cousins and a close cousin, Shirley Wheeler.