John O. "Jack" Slaton

John O. “Jack” Slaton was born July 17, 1933 and passed away on July 19, 2013. Jack’s life was influenced by many people-- his birth parents, John Oscar and Georgia Ann Slaton; the parents that raised him, Wilbur and Myrtle Slaton; his uncle Virgil and Fairy Olmstead; and his aunt Mattie Stone. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nina Slaton; his sister, Ann French; his three children, Debra Houts, John Slaton, and Carol Hill; his grandchildren, John and Christopher Slaton; and his two great grandchildren, Tris-ton and Luke Slaton.

Jack was excellent at making acquaintances and there was not a person (or rock) he couldn’t make friends with. Whether at Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society, church, the Lubbock Stroke Club, or just out to dinner, Jack’s loving smile and warm stories lead his way into many hearts. Jack owned Slaton Geological Company for 39 years and was a self proclaimed “pebble pusher.” His passion for geology and the outdoors took him on many adventures. He traveled frequently all over Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Oklahoma for work and vacation. Many of the family vacations were to camp, fish, and rock hunt. Jack also liked to hunt and pan for gold. He was fluent in Spanish, which few people knew, and even after many (many) years of not using it, he was still able to speak it as though he spoke Spanish every day. He was a man of a hidden brilliance that many would hope to acquire, with a memory like a vault, a heart like the sun, and a spirit as ornery as a fox. He is loved and will be dearly missed.

The viewing will be on Monday July 22, 2013 from 5 to 7 pm, and burial services at the grave site will be Tuesday July 23, 2013 at 11am at Resthaven. Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com