H. Ward Slacum, Sr.

H. Ward Slacum, Sr., 79 of Cambridge passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at UM Laurel Medical Center in Laurel, MD with family by his side. He was born in Cambridge on January 4, 1942 and was a son of the late Harold Slacum and Rosalena Vickers Whiteley.

Mr. Slacum graduated from Cambridge High School class of 1960.  Upon graduation, Mr. Slacum enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he quickly moved through the ranks becoming an aviator and officer soon after enlisting.  Mr. Slacum dedicated his life to the Corp, retiring to his native Dorchester County in 1988 at the rank of Colonel.  During his service he served two tours in Vietnam where he flew jets and earned the aviator call name “Condor”.  Among his significant contributions to his country, Mr. Slacum served as the Executive officer in command in Lebanon during the Beirut bombing in 1983 and coordinated an international coalition of support during the aftermath.  He received many accommodations and accolades for his leadership while protecting his country.

Early in his career while stationed in Corpus Christi Texas, Mr. Slacum met and married the former Patricia K. O’Shea, with whom he shared his life until her untimely death on March 30, 1997. He was fortunate to find love for a second time when he met and married the former Mary Yates on November 30, 2003, with whom he was still married at the time of his death.

Mr. Slacum owned and operated The Copy Shoppe in Cambridge, a business he built from the ground up after retiring from the service.  Mr. Slacum had several other interests that occupied his time in retirement. As a young boy he developed a passion for military collectibles and owned one of the world's most prestigious collections of WWII Era military items at the time of his passing.  He was especially proud of his “War Room” and would spend hours researching and building period specific displays. He was a lifelong woodworker, spending many hours in his woodshop creating beautiful pieces of furniture and art mostly given to family and friends as gifts.

Mr. Slacum is preceded in death by his father Harold Slacum, his mother Rosalena Vickers Whiteley, his beloved wife Patricia K Slacum and his stepfather Harold L. Whiteley.  He is survived by his wife, Mary Y. Slacum of Cambridge, his daughter, Kristine P. Nossick (Eddy Hunteman) of East New Market, a son H. Ward Slacum Jr (Julie) of Stevensville, MD two step sons, Will Hillyer (Michelle) of Chesapeake Beach, MD and Charlie Hillyer (Tina) of Weiherhammer, Germany.  His sister Phyllis Burton of Cambridge as well as a dedicated and loyal friend Barry Hurley of Cambridge. Mr. Slacum was also fortunate to have several grandchildren who will miss him greatly, Kristian Slacum of Secretary, MD, Madelyn Nossick of Greenville, NC, Willow Slacum of Stevensville, MD, Michael Nossick of Conway, SC, Hannah and Emma Hillyer of Chesapeake Beach, MD and Maximillian and Alexander Hillyer of Weiherhammer, Germany. He is also survived by two great Grandchildren, Hayden and Harlei Jones of Secretary and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Slacum was a member of the American Legion Post #91, Choptank Memorial Post 7460 VFW, DAV, and the Marine Corps League.

A walk-through visitation will be held on Thursday February 18th from 11am-12pm at Thomas Funeral Home and a funeral service at Christ Church immediately following at 1pm.  Interment will be private at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Christ Church Food Drive, 601 Church Street, Cambridge, MD 21613. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.