Jay Leon Slaughter, 84, formerly of Rexburg, died March 27, 2009 at his home in Idaho Falls. He was born June 6, 1924 to Wayne Rasmussen Slaughter and Allene Mabelle Heath in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He graduated from Pocatello High School and then served in the Navy for four years.

He married Charlene Frances Dill February 10, 1950 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He received a bachelor's degree from Idaho State University, a master's degree from the University of Utah and a doctorate degree from Indiana University in Music Education.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Scout Master, Sunday School teacher, in a bishopric, as choir director and as a home teacher.

He was a member of the Rexburg Rotary Club. He enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing, boating, water skiing, and taking trips to Yellowstone and Lake Powell with his family. He built his beloved cabin in Island Park. He enjoyed Ricks College football and basketball games. He was the national grand president of the Kappi Kappi Psi, band fraternity.

He taught music at Ricks College for 18 years and then was in public relations for 18 years. He coached the Ricks College ski team for 22 years. He especially loved to be in the pit directing musicals and operas. He also started the very successful Summer Fine Arts Academy.

He was awarded the outstanding musicianship at Idaho State University. While there he also received the professional achievement award from the College of Education. At Ricks College he received an appreciation award for the hall of fame board for his service. In 2002 he was awarded the Eliza R. Snow award. The Viking Marching Band of BYU Idaho presented him with a beautiful plaque honoring him for establishing a foundation of excellence in the bands at Ricks College.

He survived by his wife, Charlene, his children, Paul Slaughter of Pocatello, Idaho, Francie (Bill) Henderson of Rexburg, Idaho, Laura Kaye Stears of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Steve (Amber) Slaughter of Grand Junction, Colorado, 16 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Del Slaughter, of Salt Lake City, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Jean Larsen, and a son-in-law, Gary Stears.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.,Tuesday, March 31, at the Valley View LDS Chapel on South 2nd East, in Rexburg. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Flamm Funeral Home and again from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Burial will be in the Rexburg Cemetery, with military rites by the Madison County Veterans. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com.