Please note staging area change..The family of William “Bill” Slavens Wayne has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Bill was born on 25 September 1925 and entered into Eternal Rest on 03 July 2021.
Bill proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1944 to 1946 during World War II and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. He landed on Green Beach on Iwo Jima with the 3rd wave on 19 February 1945.
At that time Bill nor any of the other men had any idea of the fame men from their company would attain for raising a flag on Mount Suribachi five days later. A “mortar” went through Bill’s helmet without damaging anything, but his helmet. Bill was in his foxhole when he sustained multiple mortar shrapnel wounds to his hip. His awards/citations included the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal from First Separation Company, MCB, San Diego on 18 May 1946.
After the war, Bill worked for Allstate Insurance and various other insurance companies as an Insurance Controller.
It was at Allstate Insurance Company where Bill met the love of his life, Arline. Bill and Arline adopted their two beautiful children Richard and Barbara. After working for Allstate Insurance, Bill and Richard started their own business, Superior Marble Company. In Bill’s later years he went to work for Home Depot in his early 80’s until retirement.
Bill found great pleasure working at Home Depot. He loved people and people loved Bill. He made friends where ever he went. Bill was always there for family and friends. Bill is greatly missed by all.
Bill is survived by his son Richard and daughter Barbara. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Bill’s wife, Arline Jean, passed away in 2020 and will be interred with him.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the family residence to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
If you cannot accompany this Hero please consider meeting us at the entrance of the Cemetery with a flag line as the hero arrives.
The weather is predicted to be hot so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat; it can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
Time Table for Monday 06 September 20210715 – Stage at K D’s Donuts parking lot, 731 Weir Canyon Rd, Anaheim
https://goo.gl/maps/Gqr3Y2Udfu3VMDD8A0730 – Mission Briefing
0745 – KSU to the family residence.
0800 – Flag line as our Hero is moved to the Highway to Heaven Motorcycle Hearse.
0815 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR Staging: on Normandy near the first roundabout, entering at East Normandy and passing Staging Area #9)
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E 0930 – KSU to assigned Graveside for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
Mike “Joker” Courtright
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
