History of PDC Wayne W. Slade

Wayne W Slade
South Dakota American Legion Department Commander
1972-1973
Wayne Slade was born January 3, 1924 at Mitchell, SD to Allen and Ida Slade. He graduated from Fulton High School, attended Southern Teacher’s College in Springfield, SD, and on December 12, 1942 enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He earned the rank of Technical Sergeant and served as a radio operator/gunner on B-24’s with the 371st Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group in the Pacific Theater, logging 28 combat missions.
Wayne married Bonnie Shabino on December 14, 1944 at Riverside, California. He was discharged from the service on December 12, 1945. After his discharge from military service, they moved to Madison, SD and then to Fulton, SD in 1949 where he began work at Fulton State Bank. He retired from the bank in 1988, but remained as President of the bank and on the bank board of directors until his death in February 2004.
He was a lifetime member of the Fulton-Farmer-Epiphany American Legion Post Number 85 where he served in many positions. He also served as District Commander, Area Vice Commander, Department Commander, State Chairman of Children and Youth Committee, National Executive Committeeman, and Vice Chairman of the National Employment Committee. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masonic Lodge and served as the Finance Officer for the town of Fulton for over 40 years.
He and his wife, Bonnie, had two sons. Robert W. Slade, who was a career Air Force pilot and Gary L Slade, who served two years on active duty with the army.
Wayne and his wife of some 59 years devoted their entire adult lives to the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. In addition to Wayne’s tenure as the Department Commander in 1972—1973, Bonnie served as the Department of South Dakota Auxiliary President in 1977—1978.