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Chester L. "Chet" Sluder, age 89, passed away Friday, February 20, 2004. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Zimmerman "Zimmy" Sluder and daughter, Shari Sluder. He is survived by son, Jim and wife, Marsha and granddaughter, Lisa of Dallas, Texas. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, February 21, 1914, the son of the late Judge and Mrs. James T. Sluder and graduated from San Antonio Academy and Texas Military Institute. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and entered the Army Air Corps in 1935 as a Flying Cadet. Receiving a Regular commission in 1939, he served 30 years in the Army Air Corps and Air Force. During World War II, Col. Sluder served in the headquarters of Gen. Jimmy Doolittle in North Africa and then commanded the 325th Fighter Group in combat. He led the fighter escort for the first shuttle-bombing mission from Italy to the USSR on June 2, 1944 and the southern France invasion in August 1944. During his military service, he graduated from the Air Corps Advanced Flying School at Kelly Field, TX, in June 1936 and from the Air University at Maxwell AFB, AL in 1951. He received several decorations and other commendations during his career. His European Campaign ribbon carries eight battle stars. Following his retirement from the USAF, Col. Sluder was employed as a commercial pilot in Albuquerque for several years. He was a member of the OX-5 Club, Quiet Birdmen, and Order of Daedalians. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of Ballut Abyad Shrine Temple in Albuquerque. Graveside Services will be Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Memorial Service wil be Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at Air Force Village I, Chaplain Jim Thompson officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials in Col. Sluder's memory may be made to the Shrine Crippled Children's Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 8410, Albuquerque, NM 87198. The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.porterloring.com by selecting Visitation and Services. Select "Sign Guestbook" at the bottom of the individual Memorial. Arrangements with PORTER LORING 1101 McCULLOUGH SAN ANTONIO, TX 210-227-8221
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