Joe Slater passed away peacefully in his home, Saturday August 14, 2021. He was born in 1938 in Iowa, one of six children born to Erwin & Marian Slater. Joe graduated from East High in Des Moines, Iowa in 1957. He served his country in the Army, where he was stationed in California for three years as a First Class Missileman, Sharpshooter, and Radio and Radar Expert. Joe married his high school sweetheart, Donna in 1959 and they raised their children in Des Moines after he left the Army. Joe served his city of Des Moines, Iowa, as a Police Officer in the 60's. He made Sergeant and he was a medaled marksman. Joe served his country again as a United States Air Marshall in 1969 & 1970, after leaving the DMPD to move to Wisconsin. He flew all over the world keeping passengers safe as they traveled. Joe finished his college degree & training and joined Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms in the 70's and moved his family to Illinois. He and his family were transferred to Fayetteville, NC, as he was promoted. Joe was on many Task Forces & he was a member of the Southeastern National Response Team. His careers were demanding and often dangerous. Joe retired after a major stroke and 20 years as a high-ranking ATF Special Agent. He was a member of the Des Moines, IA Masonic Lodge. He and his wife Donna loved the mountains and settled in Transylvania County. Their children followed them here to be near their wonderful parents. Joe was his children's' hero and their rock. Joe lost his wife Donna, of 57 years in 2016 and their grandson Robert Slater in 2014. His parents, brother David Slater, sisters Louise Wagner and Lucille Rudd, sister-in-law Clarice Slater, brothers in law Phillip McClaskey, Robert Rudd, and Earl Wagner all preceded him in death. Joe is survived by his children Shelley Eubanks (Lloyd), Eric Slater (Teresa), Brenda Slater, brother Robert Slater and sister Frances McClaskey. His cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren: Joey Mangiapane (Nikki), Josh Robbins (Amanda), Emily Worley (Bow), Erica Slater (Dan), Aaron Troutman (Chelsea), Adam Troutman (Blair), Chloe, Wilson, Victor, Robbie, Sawyer, Mattie, many nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. Joe Slater was a good man. We respect him, we honor him, and we love him, past, present and future. A memorial service for Joe will be held at 2pm on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Moody Connolly in Brevard. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home is caring for the family.