ATHENS, Ohio — Friends, family, and neighbors came together Oct. 27 to celebrate Athens resident and veteran Don Slagle’s 100th birthday.
Slagle served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II after getting drafted on his 18th birthday, according to a 2017 profile by the Athens News. While serving, Slagle participated in the Battle of Peleliu, in which he would be hit with shrapnel on Oct. 2, 1944. Slagle would be discharged after being hit by shrapnel a second time.
Born in Gallipolis, Slagle moved to Athens soon after returning from service, according to the Athens News profile. He attended Ohio University, where he met his wife, Donna Slagle. Slagle has a rich career history in Athens, working in wildlife management for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for five years before transitioning to real estate.
Slagle is also a frequent face at the Athens Community Center where he is commonly seen exercising, said Athens Service-Safety Director Andy Stone.
A brief ceremony took place during the Oct. 27 celebration featuring Stone and other guest speakers, including representatives from the United States Marine Corps, Ohio Department of Veterans Services, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio University.
The scale of the party was a welcome surprise to Slagle, who expected only a small cake and close family.
The guest speakers each bestowed various certificates and awards on behalf of their respective organizations.
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