Ret. TSgt. Charles Leon Slaton, Sr., age 77 of Griffin, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Spalding Regional Hospital.

Mr. Slaton was born May 18, 1938.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Melvin & Deedie Lavonia Looney Slaton; 2 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Survivors include his wife, Erlinda Gomez Slaton; daughters and sons-in-law, Debra Ann Slaton of Porterdale, Regina and Matt Yeargin of Griffin and Crystal and Justin Anderson of Griffin; sons and daughter-in-law, Charles, Jr. and Velma Slaton of Covington, Terry Wayne Slaton of Covington and Robert Scott Slaton of Albuquerque, N.M.; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and sister & brother-in-law, Betty Jean and Steve Treadwell of Conyers.

He served honorably in the United States Air Force from August 2, 1957 - May 1, 1977 as an Aeromedical Service Technician.  He retired as a Technical Sergeant with highly commendable service highlighted by medals to include the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal - 4th Service Star and Air Medal - 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster. He amassed 4,632.6 flying hours to include 164.3 combat hours for a total of 344 sorties over his 22 years of service to our nation. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of TSgt Charles L. Slaton reflect great credit upon himself and the USAF.

After retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Charles served as the district manager for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution in Griffin, Ga. He subsequently enjoyed a life of retirement with his wife Linda, and family.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Spalding Regional Hospital and physicians for their outstanding care and support.

A memorial service for Ret. TSgt. Charles Leon Slaton, Sr. was Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Haisten McCullough Funeral Home.  Pastor Jeff Shelton officiated.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to The Wounded Warrior’s Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Cornerstone Assembly of God, 1630 Zebulon Rd., Griffin, GA 30224 in memory of Mr. Slaton.

To pay condolences online to the family, please do so at haistenmccullough.com.

Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Rd. is in charge of arrangements.