Slater Earl McEachern, Jr., "Tater Bug," deeply beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in Humble, Texas surrounded by his family on August 28, 2025 at the age of 87.

Born December 2, 1937 to Slater Earl McEachern and Willard Miriam Eubanks McEachern, he was the eldest of four children, with siblings William (Bill), David and Miriam. He was the grandson of Mamie Bailey Eubanks and Webb Eubanks, and Slater Earl "S.E." McEachern, Sr. and Hulda Johanna Nyman McEachern.

A gifted student, he graduated in 1955 as valedictorian from Lucedale High School and attended the University of Mississippi on a band scholarship (trombone), earning a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering in 1959 as well as a Master of Science in Geology (focusing on Paleontology) in 1962 at Penn State University.

From 1962 to 1964, he honorably served as a U.S. Army officer, including a tour in Korea, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. During that time, he wrote to his future wife, Belinda Jean Skelton, every single day. They married when he returned in 1964, and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in March. According to Mom, he was the very definition of a perfect husband and father.

His career as a geologist and paleontologist had him spending many years looking for oil and peering at sand-sized "bugs" (fossils) through his microscope. He was still working into his 80s. Outside of his work, he found joy in watching the Astros with all of his kids and grandkids, fishing, and tending his giant vegetable garden. He also enjoyed canning and cooking which he learned from his Mama, as well as listening to music, especially Elvis Presley and John Philip Sousa marches.

Everyone who knew him for any length of time knew he was special. One of his doctors recently asked us if he was always this lovely. We replied yes, our whole lives. He was a man of few words; however, we all knew without a doubt how he felt about us, and it was pure and good. His love was unwavering and unconditional. He never gave unsolicited advice, never expressed disappointment in us, never said a bad word about anyone, and accepted us so completely that we always felt safe and cherished.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Belinda "Linda" Jean Skelton McEachern, daughter Tess (Frank) Westmoreland and grandson Frankie; daughter Brigette (Brian) Westphal and granddaughter Jillian; son Slater E. (April) McEachern, III and grandson Slater E. McEachern, IV; his sister Miriam Truesdale, sister-in-law Marie McEachern, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Mary Skelton, brother-in-law Ricky Finney as well as many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers David and William "Bill" McEachern and his parents.

We don't know how we will go on without him, but his life and example of love, humility and quiet strength will forever guide us. All are invited to a service to honor his life on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St. Lucedale, Mississippi. Brother David Newton will officiate the service. The viewing will be on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St. Lucedale, MS. Everyone please join us for food and fellowship at First Church of Lucedale immediately following the graveside service at Magnolia Cemetery.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.