Jerome “Jerry” Slaven

Jerome "Jerry" Leon Slaven was born April 7th, 1940 to the late Mark Howard and Thelma Esther Albert Slaven in Beloit, Kansas. He left his earthly body at the age of 76 on Monday, November 21st, 2016 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Merriam, Kansas surrounded by family.

Jerry graduated from Beloit High School in 1959 and after graduation attended Fort Hays Kansas State College from 1959-1961, then enlisted in the US Army in October 1962.

On July 18, 1963 he married Mary Beth Yager at First Christian Church in Beloit, Kansas, which would begin a life long companionship.

The same year, Jerry and Beth moved to Virginia when he received his first assignment to work at the Pentagon, where he worked until he was reassigned in 1964 to the White House Communications Agency. During his time at the White House, Jerry recorded private telephone conversations for President Johnson and received an Outstanding Performance of Duty Award for his service.

On September 30th, 1964 Jerry and Beth welcomed their daughter, Lisa Anne, into the world and in the following year of 1965, they moved to Shawnee, Kansas. Jerry spent the next 29 years working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City as Assistant Manager of Office Services Department until his retirement in 1994.

Over the years, Jerry took pride in his yard, enjoyed good (…and some bad) travel trailer trips, went on many fishing trips with his late brother-in-law, Keith, and late sister-in-law, Jane Yager, who were no doubt also his best friends. Many wonderful days and trips were spent with his grandson, who he thought the world of. Jerry was a longtime member of Shawnee Presbyterian Church, American Legion Post #0327 of Shawnee, and the Federal Reserve Bank 25 Year Club. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones, who were also permanent ticket holders to his quirky jokes, humorous personality, and exciting stories.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Beth Yager Slaven of Shawnee, KS; daughter Lisa Slaven-Cowan and husband Wes of Kansas City, KS; grandson Paul Michael Slaven of Shawnee, KS; sister Joyce Nesmith and husband Ken of The Woodlands, TX; brother James Slaven and wife Janice of Braselton, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 - 7 p.m., Monday, November 28 followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m., at the Amos Family Funeral Home & Crematory. Pastor Craig Gibson will be officiating the service.

In honor of Jerry’s life, the family requests contributions to Shawnee Presbyterian Church, 6837 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS 66203.