Richard H. Slawson, 72, Spencer

Funeral services for Richard H. Slawson were held Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Warner Chapel in Spencer. Pastor Dan Taylor officiated.

Casket bearers were Roger Ott, Al Peters, Laef Lundbeck, Josh Birchard, Paul Morrow and Denny Woolery. Honorary casket bearers were Talen Black, Gage Classon, Wyan Classon, Steve Grimmius, Mac Slawson, Chris Slawson, Tom Jackson and Brian Christenson. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery at Spencer. Warner Funeral Home in Spencer assisted with the arrangements.

Richard Henry Slawson, the son of William McGrath Slawson and Evelyn Elsie Slawson (Hagedorn), was born on Jan. 16, 1951 in Long Beach, Calif. When he was a young child his family moved to Everly where he then attended Everly Elementary and High School, graduating in 1969. He attended Iowa Lakes Community College for a short stint and then worked for Carstensen Meat Market in Lake Park. His journey continued to Colorado where he worked for Foust Meat Market before returning home to work for PCP Manufacturing in Spencer. Upon his return home he began enjoying his lifelong passion of race car driving. He drove the #413 late model at Rock Rapids and surrounding tracks from 1978-1981.

It was during this time he married the love of his life, Sharon Mae Saboe, on Oct. 21, 1978 and shortly thereafter started a family of whom he was extremely proud. They were together for 53 years and married for 47. He and his brother, Tom, built Slawson Auto Repair and the lifelong career of happiness and challenges with the business began. In addition to the auto repair business he also helped manage the family farm. Later in life when his son became old enough to drive, racing became a family activity once again. He owned and operated the racecar operation for his son, who drove the car from 2000-2022 before they agreed to take a break to focus on family.

Richard died on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at the age of 72. He was preceded in death by his father, William; mother, Evelyn; brothers: Bill and Tom; and an infant son.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sharon, of Spencer; daughter, Lora Black (Talen and Tenley), of Sioux Falls, S.D.; son, James Slawson (Laura), of Spirit Lake; daughter, Lottie Slawson (Gage, Wyatt), of Spencer; sister, Mollie Frawley (Tony and Becky); his beloved dog, Tanner (who he never admitted to liking); as well as many other family members and friends.