Russiaville, IN. - Rev. Herbert Slack, 94, Russiaville, passed away at 12:16 am Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 22, 1932, in Switzerland County, Indiana, the son of the late Harry Melick & Emza Ethel (Scudder) Slack. On March 16, 1951, he married Roberta June Smith who preceded him in death on October 13, 2012.

Herbert's early years were shaped by the love and guidance of his older brothers and sisters and stepmother Gladys after the passing of his mother when he was just four years old. This foundation of care and resilience carried him through a life dedicated to his family, faith and community. He earned his Theology Degree from Frankfort Pilgrim College in 1961, which marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to ministry. For two decades, Herbert and his wife Roberta pastored in Forest, Windfall and Miami, Indiana, ministering to congregations within the Pilgrim Holiness and Wesleyan Churches. Later in life, he became a devoted member of First Church of the Nazarene, now known as One Church.

In addition to his pastoral work, Herbert built a successful career at Chrysler Corporation as a skilled trades maintenance oiler. Over 33 years of dedicated service, he earned a special recognition for his impeccable work ethic with a perfect attendance award before retiring in 1991.

Herbert found joy working in the fields he farmed and caring for farm animals, a reflection of his deep connection to nature and hard work. He was an avid gardener who delighted in nurturing plants and watching hummingbirds. In retirement he and Roberta spent time in Florida relaxing and enjoying life's simple pleasures. A devoted Cincinnati Reds fan, Herbert rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite baseball team. He also took pride in beekeeping, a hobby that reflected his patient and nurturing spirit.

Herbert loved to sing and music played an important role for his love for Christ. Music was his passion, which allowed him to share the love of Christ to others.

Herbert is survived by his children, Renita (Gordon) Puckett, Steven (Sheryl) Slack, Verna Lynn (Keith) Spaulding, Patricia (Glenn) Waltman, Cheryl LaBarge, Philip (Sherri) Slack, Brian (Jennifer) Slack, and Deanna (Doug) Ennis; with 21 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Naomi Coy and Barb (Jack) Freels; sister-in-law, Julia Smith, along with several nieces and nephews. The love and kindness shown by neighbors and friends are greatly appreciated.

Herbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Roberta; his parents; siblings, Myrtle Whitham, Evelyn Hatton, Chauncey Slack, Hildred Bouvard, Anna Banta, Frieda Alford, Osee Slack, Doris Andrews, Janet Stonoff, Rebecca Brown, Orville Slack, Ruby Burnett, Harry Slack Jr.; and stepbrothers, Dale Birley and Don Birley.

A funeral service will be held at Noon Friday, July 3, 2026, at One Church, 2734 S. Washington Street, Kokomo, with Pastor Garey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am until time of service on Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Herbert's memory to Gods Bible School, GBSC, 1810 Young Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 or Faith Promise through One Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.