Morris R Slavens

SLAVENS, Morris R. “Morrie” (age 95) – Died on March 25, 2017 at 1927 W Fairview, Spokane, in a tragic house fire. Morrie was born on Feb 5, 1922, in Seattle, WA, to Ray and Cora Slavens, of Hanford. The family moved to Cheney, WA in 1937. Morrie graduated from Cheney High School in 1940 and immediately entered (the then) Eastern Washington College of Education. He attended until completing the 1941 winter quarter, when he shortly there-after enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. He served in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. He returned from Europe and was discharged on Christmas Day, 1945. In January 1946, he secured temporary employment with the State of Washington Employment Security Department. On Feb 14, 1946, he married Lucille Billesbach, his fiancé, also of Cheney. Together, they raised two boys, Mike and Bill. Morrie remained with the Employment Security Dept. for 31 years, retiring as the Spokane Office Manager and Area Supervisor. He took an early retirement to complete construction of two additions on their house, a new garage, and to travel. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Lucille; his younger son, Bill, who at 27 (in 1982), was killed in a vehicle accident; he was also preceded by sisters, Lorena Martino, and Shirley Murray; and by his parents. He is survived by his son, Michael (Mike) Slavens of Liberty Lake, WA; a granddaughter, Lori Yarbrough, of Athol, ID; two great-grandchildren; and five nephews. Following his cremation, Morrie’s remains will be laid to rest with his beloved, Lucille, at Spokane Memorial Gardens.