A funeral service for James R. Slate, 72, of Dresden, will be held at 11AM Tuesday February 3, 2004 at the Dresden United Methodist Church with Pastor Ricci Arthur officiating. Burial will follow in Dresden Cemetery. Mr. Slate died Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 in the Emergency Room at Genesis Bethesda Hospital. He was born April 17, 1931 in Conesville a son of the late Kenneth and Mary (Glosser) Slate. Mr. Slate was a member of the Dresden United Methodist Church, a 50-year member and past master of Dresden Lodge #103 F&AM and a former member of the Dresden Fire Department. He had served on the Board of Public Affairs for the Village of Dresden and for many years coached biddy league baseball. In 1984 he retired from Armco Steel and was a member of the veterans club. He was devoted husband to his wife of 53 years, Barbara (Graves) Slate, whom he married November 4, 1950, a loving and devoted father to his children, Becky Slate, Rick (Darla) Slate, Jamie (Carolyn) Slate all of Dresden, Jon (Molly) Slate of Nashport, and to his grandchildren, Lucas, Katie, Ashley, Kayela, Matthew, Joshua, Emilea, Mitchell, Heath, Hannah and Alec, he also survived by one sister, Beverly (Gene) Albertson of Conesville and several nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Harold and Larry Dean Slate, preceded him in death. Friends may call 5-8PM Monday at the Dresden Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home. A Masonic Service will be held at 8PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dresden U. Methodist Church, P.O. Box 111, Dresden, OH 43821; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.Cards may be sent to:Barbara SlateP.O. Box 145Dresden, OH 43821