200 pay tribute to 'Reds'

No one likes to miss out when Thomas "Reds" Slaughter is throwing a party.

There were balloons decorating the tables and nonstop music. The 200 or more partiers had plates laden with hamburgers, hot dogs, cole slaw and chips. Guests were table-hopping and greeting old friends.

This party was different from the others, since Reds, 54, of Chester and Pasadena, was the guest of honor at his farewell party. The tears flowed as freely as the beer.

"I've got hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver," he said. "The doctors found liver cancer that's metastasized to my lungs. My legs are getting weak."

His battle with his terminal illness is reflected in his face.

"This is a celebration of his life," said daughter-in-law Cindy Yesker, 36, who organized the event with her husband Joey Yesker, 34. "The doctors have said to keep him comfortable. He's completely fearless. He's handling it well, instead of waiting to pass on."

Sipping from a can of Coors beer, Slaughter said he'd been laying carpet for 47 years, working part-time for an Annapolis furniture company while still in elementary school. He dropped out in 10th grade to work full-time. He has been an independent contractor for many years.

"Reds is a jack of all trades," said friend Rob Stecker. "He can do anything with carpet and flooring."

The source of Reds' nickname is still obvious.

One of his five siblings, Gail DiFatta, 53, of Pasadena said, "He was definitely a carrot-top. No one calls him Tom."

He is married to Denise Slaughter, 56. The two met when Reds was an acoustic guitar player in a band led by Denise's first husband. The couple's 25th wedding anniversary is today.

"Our son, Joey Yesker, is from my first marriage," said Denise. "Crystal is our daughter, but Reds has raised Joey since he was 3 years old. My first husband died a few years ago of cancer at age 56. The kids had two good male role models. They are both wonderful men."

Joey, 34, a Pepsi sales representative, has five children ranging in age from 18 to 6 years. Crystal, an aesthetician at Bubbles at Westfield Annapolis mall, is 26.

Since Slaughter's health has declined, his wife has had to reduce her workload as a house cleaner to care for him.

A few years ago, the couple sold their home and moved onto a houseboat, a 1981 Bertram 47, moored at the Castle Harbor Marina in Chester.

The two are currently living at her mother's home in Pasadena.

"There's no cure," Denise Slaughter said. "The pills they've given him will buy a little time. The Tate Center at (Baltimore Washington Medical Center) … is wonderful."

Reds' big sister Karen S. Geyer, 58, of Pasadena, looked around at the crowd. The disc jockey had just announced that the winner of the 50/50 raffle donated his share to a fund for Reds. A hula hoop contest was about to start.

"The turnout is wonderful," said Geyer. "People brought food, they're donating money and bidding on the silent auction items."

Planning ahead

"It's very difficult," said DiFatta. "We are very supportive and he's been so brave. He's making sure there's no debt for the family. It's hard to watch.

"When he finally went to see a doctor, it was late. Doctors thought they could do a transplant, but they can't now. The cancer is in his bloodstream."

DiFatta said Reds had a heart-valve transplant 20 years ago.

"After that, he lived life to the fullest," she said with a smile.

"Denise and Reds have to sell the houseboat," Cindy Yesker said. "Reds has no income coming in and no retirement plan to fall back on. Things are really tight."

Still, he continues to inspire his family.

"He went with Denise to make his funeral arrangements," Cindy Yesker said. "He's sold most of his possessions, like his van. He feels good that he's helping out. He has no fear at all of dying."

After the couple left the funeral home, his siblings quietly dropped by. Each one made a sizeable donation toward the funeral.

Several guests were writing checks to help out the Slaughters.

Reds is also taking care of afterlife details, too.

"We have a sign," Cindy Yesker said. "He'll rub the tip of our nose to let us know he's there. If our nose itches or tickles - it's Reds."

To help the Slaughter family, checks can be sent to Thomas Slaughter, c/o Denise Slaughter, 607 Eliot Road, Pasadena, MD 21122.

Wendi Winters is a freelance writer who lives on the Broadneck Peninsula.