William S. (Bill) Slane

William S. (Bill) Slane was born August 31, 1916 in Chanute, Kansas. He attended Chanute schools and graduated as a member of the National Honor Society. He served in the U. S Navy during world war two and was a member of the American Legion. Upon returning to Chanute following the war he carried mail for the U. S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1971. Later in life he attended NCCC and at age 73 graduated with an Associates Degree in Applied Science. He was presented his diploma by U. S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum., Bill was involved in The Boy Scouts of America. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and served as troop leader to district advisor. He attended many scouting events including Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and in 1937 he attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, D. C. He was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor a volunteer adult leader can receive., His volunteerism to many organizations in Chanute led to recognition by the American Red Cross with the Clara Barton Volunteer Leadership Award and was recognized by Rotary International Foundation as a Paul Harris Fellow. Bill assisted with Meals on Wheels, Operation Soupline, Safari Museum and Chanute Community Theater. He sang in St. Cecelia Choir and with the Southeast Shavers Barbershop Chorus for many years., Bill had a lifelong love of all things historical, especially in and around Chanute and thus was a member of the Chanute Historical Society. He was the primary person in doing the research and establishment of the marker for the Vegetarian Colony north of Chanute as well as the Osage City marker at the Austin Bridge in Santa Fe Park in south Chanute., Bill Slane's legacy was one of a lifetime of giving his time and talents to his hometown of Chanute, Kansas.