Vester Slawson Sr. Obituary

Vester Carlos Slawson, Sr., known as Daddy or Grandaddy by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at his home in Baton Rouge with his wife, Gail, by his side.

Born on April 10, 1942, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Vester Lafayette Slawson and Henrietta Barber, he grew up in Greenville and Leland, Mississippi. Carlos had a great love for the Lord, the Bible, and the Church, and would unashamedly ask, “Do you have a church home?” or “Do you know Jesus Christ?” He was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Anyone who spoke with Carlos knew how much he dearly loved Gail, his “Darling Wife” of 58 years. He loved to share how their family had grown from 2 to 34. He is survived by their 4 children: Carlos Slawson Jr. (Sandy), Elizabeth “Beth” Reaves (Jason), Thomas Slawson (Cristy), and Emily Rachal (Richard). He didn’t consider any of his descendants’ spouses as in-laws, but rather his own children. There are 14 grandchildren: Kayti Beaman (Bobby), Kristy Brossette (Chase), Nathan Slawson (Maddie), Nevil Slawson (Raylyne), Jake & Graham Reaves, Isaiah, Nadia, Lily, & Stephen Slawson, and Luke, Laila, Sam & Silas Rachal; 6 great-grandchildren: Emery, Davis, Sayde, & Leann Beaman, and Phillip & Oliver Slawson; 2 siblings: Barber Ann Egler (Jerry) and Larry Slawson (Donna); sister-in-law Lynn McCallum (Larry), as well as by numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Nevil Blakeney, and older brother Hilmon Slawson.

Carlos was hard-working, determined, patriotic, and dedicated to Gail and family. He was a very skilled and experienced construction superintendent for several decades and even owned his own construction company for a few years. In his retirement, you could find him in his shop whistling and singing as he worked on various woodworking projects. He loved to laugh, tell stories from the past, be silly with the grandkids (or any kid), and research family history. In his early adulthood, he proudly served his country in the Army National Guard as a Green Beret and paratrooper.

Flowers or donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Woodlawn Baptist Church, 5805 Jones Creek Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. Church Funeral Services is handling the arrangements.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 29th, 10:30-12:30 at Woodlawn Baptist Church, with the service starting at 12:30 PM. On Friday, January 30th, at Liberty Baptist Church, 2216 SCR 90, Raleigh, Mississippi 39153, there will be Visitation at 12:30 with a graveside service at 1:30.