Robert "Buck" W. Slater Jr., 66, of Washington, passed away at his home with his family by his side at 6:04 am Thursday, May 28, 2020. He was born March 9, 1954 in Peoria to the late Robert W. Slater Sr. and Melba Gene Slater. He married Cindy Ward in Washington on June 30, 1979. She survives. Also surviving are two children, Matt (Allison) Slater, Jennica Slater (Craig Crawford); granddaughter, Sylvia; three sisters, Jackie Gustavson, Susan (Jeff) Birkel, Patti Heavrin; father and mother-in-law, Jim and Evelyn Ward; three sister-in-laws, Linda Klein, Shari (Kevin) Parker, Karen (Tom) Schrock; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Buck served his country in both the U.S. Navy and Air National Guard. He retired from IDOT in 2010 after 25 years of service. Bucks Christian faith was very important to him. He attended Sunnyland Christian Church and was recently baptized by his son with his family present. He was passionate about all sports including being an avid golfer, lifelong coach, and a St. Louis Cardinals fan. There will be a drive thru visitation (Legion Road entrance) Saturday, May 30, 2020 from 1 to 2:30pm at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Private burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Buck's son, Matt, will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Illinois CancerCare.