Wilbur L. Slaymaker, age 92, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2023, at Willow Valley Communities, Lancaster, Pa.
Formerly of Kinzers, Pa., he was born in 1931 in Warsaw, to Myron D. and Verna M. Leedy Slaymaker.
Wil was one of four children: Dorothy Mitterling, of San Antonio, Texas; Wayne D. Slaymaker (deceased), of Pierceton; and Marilyn Kilgore (deceased), of San Antonio, Texas.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Carol E. Slaymaker, of Warsaw; their two daughters, Nadine B. Slaymaker, of Leola, Pa.; and Nancy L. Crowley (wife of Arthur M. Crowley III), of Charlotte, N.C.; and two beloved grandsons, Colin and William Crowley. He was preceded in death by an infant son.
Wil graduated from Pierceton High School and Milwaukee School of Engineering. He served in the United States Air Force Power Engineering Division for B-36 bombers during the Korean War, earning airframe and powerplant certification. Following his military service, Wil embarked on a long and successful career as a field test engineer at Sperry New Holland (now owned by CNH Global N.V), from which he retired in 1991. He was granted patents in the field of agriculture machinery and was a member of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. With a passion for his work, Wil dedicated himself to ensuring new design and efficiency of haytools equipment, leaving a lasting impact on the agriculture industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Wil worked to preserve and promote the artistry of engineering and machines as a very active member of IHCC of Southeast PA Chapter 8, Rough & Tumble Engineers Museum, Kinzers, Pa.; Mid Atlantic Air Museum, Reading, Pa.; and Gast Classic Motorcars, Strasburg, Pa. He was an avid photographer, enjoyed car, tractor and air shows, auto racing and traveling. When asked what he loved most, he would say that, second to his family, “anything with horsepower!”
Wil was a pillar of strength and kindness within his family and friends. He is remembered for his unwavering love, patience, happy demeanor, bright smile, warm chuckle, silly sense of humor and endless curiosity about science and engineering. He touched the hearts of all those fortunate enough to know him.
Celebration of life will be held in the Johnson Auditorium, Willow Valley Manor North, 600 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, Pa., on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Wil Slaymaker to International Harvester Case Club. Contact Don Morgan, Treasurer, 302-463-4926 or 60 Good Hope Road, Landenberg, PA 19350.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.DeBordSnyder.com.