Robert R. Slade
ESCANABA — Robert R. “Bob” Slade, age 86, of Escanaba passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025. He was born to the late Erwood H and Stephanie (Garrett) Slade. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1957. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Northern Michigan University and his Master of Arts Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to complete post-graduate work at the University of Michigan in the field of Labor Relations.
He spent 18 years teaching Physics, Math and Physical Science at Escanaba Senior High School. During his teaching career he received recognition for his outstanding service to education, including the Jaycee Award and the Michigan Bell Telephone Award. He was instrumental in instituting the Mead science essay contest for high school students in the areas of biology, chemistry, math and physics. In 1979, he left teaching to become the Executive Director of the 17-B Coordinating Council of the Michigan Education Association representing 16 school districts, the largest in the Upper Peninsula. He held this position for 16 years prior to retiring in 1995.
He married Betty (Kevern) Slade on August 5, 1961. Together they raised their children, James (Jim) and Michelle (Micki). The family enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, canoeing, boating, gardening, and many other outdoor activities. Bob most enjoyed spending time at the camp he built in Stonington. He loved being in the woods, whether it be hunting, logging, running his sawmill, working with his old tractors, and bull dozers, or just spending time in the woods pointing out all things in nature to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He thoroughly relaxed and enjoyed his time there.
He is a lifetime member of the free Masons belonging to the Ironwood Masonic Lodge 389. He believed in and supported education, teachers, and the importance of the advancement of children through education. He further supported scholarships and continuing education programs, as well as supporting his community.
He enjoyed his Monday morning breakfasts at Drifter’s with friends, and all time spent at Jacks Restaurant in Rapid River over the last 60+ years, it became a destination on his way to and from the camp. A big thank you to all the staff at Jacks, Drifters, Family Inn, and Elmers for their friendship over the years.
He is survived by his children, Jim (Renee Schuck) Slade and Micki (Chris) Murray, his grandchildren, Robert (Mackenzie) Slade, Jamie (Adam) Wittman, Cody (Kaili) Murray and Carter Murray, and his most cherished great-grandchildren, Ruby, Parker and Willow. He also leaves behind a brother Russell, his nephews Gary Slade and Dale (Sandra) Slade their
sons Hunter and Mason, his niece Julia (Michael) Cali, and Jim’s stepson Paul (Nicole) and their children Addalyn, Annabelle, and James.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, in 2006, and his brother and sister-in-law, Erwood and Marilyn Slade, his daughter-in-law Dawn (Fonder) Slade, and his niece, Stephanie (Slade) Badgley.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, 2200 Ludington St. Escanaba, MI. Masonic rites will be presented by Delta Lodge 195 at 3:45 p.m. and funeral services will follow with Pastor Erin Totten-Jones of the First United Methodist Church officiating at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to honor Bob, and we kindly ask them to be directed to a charity of your choice.
Online Condolences and Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Slade Family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
