ATHENS, Ohio – Donald L. Slagle, age 100, of Athens died early Wednesday morning, April 29, 2026 after a brief stay at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital and The Laurels. Born October 27, 1925 in Gallipolis, he was the son of the late Craig D. Slagle and Violet Slagle.
He attended Gallipolis High School and Ohio University. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theatre, where he received two Purple Hearts. He was employed with the Department of Natural Resources. He became a partner with his father in law, Carl Buck in the operations of the Buck and Slagle Real Estate and Insurance agency for many years. After closing the real estate and insurance office he did property appraisals with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church, Athens. He was also a member of VFW Post 7174.
He and his late wife Donna enjoyed bowling, golfing, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, gardening and ballroom dancing. They also enjoyed traveling and cruises as world travelers.
Don is survived by his daughter, Susan (Lincoln) Spicer of Newark, OH, his son, Mark D. Slagle of Athens; grandson Lincoln (Whitney) Spicer II of Newark, OH, granddaughter Lauren R. Spicer of Columbus, OH, step-grandchildren Stacey Vermilion of Heath, OH, Jade (Anastasios) Gianakopoulos of Clearwater, FL and Melvin (Kristin) Spicer of Newark, OH, great-granddaughters Madelijn and Annelies Spicer of Newark, OH; a sister in law Judy Henning of Naples, FL; nieces, Diane (Ev) Hall, Maribeth Slagle, and Melanie Schaefer; and many more beloved extended family members including the entire Buck, Slagle, and Spicer families.
Besides his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Donna Jean Buck Slagle, who died April 29, 2024; a brother, Robert (Vera) Slagle; a sister, Yvonne Slagle; and a brother in law, Carl Henning.
Friends may call 1–2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. A graveside service will be held at West Union St. Cemetery at 3 p.m. with Rev. Robbie Scott officiating. Military Rites will be conducted at the cemetery by K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion and VFW Post 9897 Honors Guards at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to OhioHealth Home Care and Hospice, American Red Cross or a charity of your choice. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.