Slater Preston Scott-Joseph Harkleroad, 20, of Union Mills, IN, passed away unexpectedly at 10:23 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, at Franciscan Health, Michigan City, IN.
He was born Oct. 14, 1998, in LaPorte, IN, to Joseph and Carolyn (Garbison) Harkleroad.
Slater was an extraordinary young man. His heart was made of gold and his family describes him as a man who would do anything for you. He took in stray animals and nursed them back to health and completed tasks for anyone who asked for his help. He was fascinated by technology and the construction industry. e never left home without telling his family he loved them and giving them a great big ‘ol hug. He always came home and made sure his family knew he was there by yelling out, “I’m home.” His family will miss his infectious smile and electrifying personality, along with his overabundant amount of love and joy he had for each and every one of them.
Surviving are his loving parents, Joseph and Carolyn Harkleroad; fiancé, Tracy Biege; uncles, Tom (Sandy) Hill, Jerry Harkleroad, Scott (Lori) Garbison, and Ervin Noble and his significant other, Darlene Noble; aunts, Lori Fort, Millie Rudd, Evelyn Miller, and Connie Hill; many cousins; and his precious dog, Scully.
Preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Harry and Marion Harkleroad; maternal grandparents, Paul and Castoria Garbison; and uncles, Alec Noble, George Harkleroad and Bubby Harkleroad.
A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating. Visitation and viewing will be from 3 p.m. until the service Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Slater Harkleroad c/o: Joseph Harkleroad.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.