Freestone County, Texas Obituaries Willie Buchanan “Buck” Slaughter Willie Buchanan “Buck” Slaughter, 91, of Mexia, passed away February 12, 2014 in Mexia. Funeral services will be 2PM, Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Rev. Bill Wright and Mr. Neil Bond officiating. Interment will follow in the New Hope Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Saturday at the Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Buck was born September 19, 1922 in Mexia, Texas to Harlie and Willie Shelton Slaughter. He was a retired Building Superintendent City Inspector. Buck was raised in Mexia and graduated from Mexia High School. At the age of 16, while still attending high school, he managed to join the Mexia National Guard unit. On March 19, 1939, he became a member of Company B, 143rd Infantry, 36th Division. After World War II began, he was mobilized into the U.S. Army on November 25, 1940. Buck served in many conflicts during the war and was very fortunate to return home. He fought side by side his longtime friend and classmate, Jack Berry, until he was killed on December 15, 1943 near Naples, Italy. He also received a number of medals, including three Bronze Stars for Italian, Rome-Arno and Naples Foggie Campaigns, Division Blue Star, Purple Heart, Silver Star American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Distinguished Service Cross. Buck was wounded while serving, but was very proud and honored to have served his country as well as proud of all who served. He was a very active member of the VFW in Fairfield and Mexia. Buck had the opportunity and honor of tour several Veteran Memorial sites throughout the United States. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Leonard McCoslin; wife, Esther Slaughter; brothers, Chester Slaughter (killed in the Battle of the Bulge) and Leslie McCoslin; and step-son, Richard Corneit. Buck is survived by his son, Alton Gene Slaughter of Kaufman, TX; daughter, Ginger Taylor of Mexia; grandchildren, Bill Taylor and wife, Laura of Mexia, Shara Hughes and husband, Steven of Mexia, Judge Gena Slaughter and husband, Rick Faulkner of Plano and Bonita Doyle of Aubrey, TX; great-grandchildren, Ashley B. Hughes, Steven Blake Hughes, Will Taylor, Morgan Flannery, Evangeline Slaughter, Grayson Slaughter, Beau Slaughter and Mason Archer; and great-great- grandchildren, Wesley Wade and Jackson Slaughter. Members of the Mexia and Fairfield VFW will serve as pallbearers.