John was born on April 28, 1964 to Kenneth Franklin and Vida Mae Runyon Slater in Winter Haven, FL. His family moved to Lubbock in 1975. John graduated from Monterey High School in 1982, and attended Texas Tech University. On July 12, 1986, John married the love of his life, Stacy Smith at Raintree Christian Church in Lubbock, Texas. He was a 21 year veteran of BNSF Railway where he was an Engineer. John loved baseball and was a devoted TX Rangers fan; enjoyed music; working Sudoku puzzles; reading; and a real joy in his life was in researching, planning, and enjoying yearly vacations with his family. He was an avid lover of all things food cooking, eating and trying new restaurants. Anyone that knew John well knew that he had a big heart! He loved having fun, and was known as a prankster from the days of his youth throughout life. The pride and joy in his life was his 17 year old daughter Emily, whom he adored. He loved watching her play soccer for so many years, and cherished the friendships made throughout those years.Survivors include his wife, Stacy Slater; their daughter, Emily; his parents, Kenneth and Vida Slater; mother-in-law, Janice Steed and husband, Vernon; father-in-law, Garey Smith and wife, Linda; sisters, Nancy Martin and husband, Bo; Vicky Davis and husband, Roger; Keena Donarumo and husband, Mike; brother, Jerry Slater and life partner, Brenda Williams; sister-in-law, Shannon Thornton and husband, Ritchie; nieces, Jessica Groomer and husband, Levi, Jennifer LeCluyse and husband, Matt; Shannon Craig and husband, Gavin; Virginia McMurdo and husband, Justin; Jenna Gospodnetich and husband, Cody; Aislynn Slater, and Preslee Thornton; nephews, Quay Dopler and wife, Leah; Justin Davis and wife, Jami; Joe Donarumo and wife, Tasha; Frank Slater, Payton and Landry Thornton; and his Rat Terrier, Snoochie. Memorial contributions are welcome in lieu of flowers to American Heart Association or Humane Society of West Texas.
Send Flowers or a Gift