Kenneth Franklin Slater

Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a kind and generous man with a tender heart for animals and an unwavering love for his Lord and Savior. Throughout his life, he exemplified the heart of a servant, caring for family, friends, and strangers alike. A self-made man Ken worked tirelessly to provide for his family and build a successful career through determination, hard work and by God’s grace.

A natural-born salesman who never met a stranger, Ken began his career with the Betsy Ross Bread Company, managing a delivery route. After moving his family from Belfry, KY to Lake Wales, FL, he joined Foremost Dairies as a route salesman. His talents quickly led to a promotion as Sales Representative in Lake Wales and later Sales Manager in Orlando. He returned to Lake Wales to serve as Branch Manager for Farmbest Dairies(formerly Foremost).

In 1975, Ken moved his family to Lubbock, TX where he began a new chapter in the flooring industry as Sales Manager for Florida Tile Distributors. He later became a Territory Manager for Benchmark Carpet Mills before establishing his own successful sales agency, representing numerous flooring manufacturers including Sunrise and Whitecrest Mills. His entrepreneurial spirit continued as he purchased SteamX Carpet Cleaning and later opened his own retail flooring business, Rug Depot, in Lubbock.

On November 21, 1953 Ken married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Vida Mae Runyon. Together they shared a loving marriage of 64 years and raised five children: Nancy Martin(Bo), Vicky Davis(Roger), Keena Donarumo(Mike), Jerry Slater(Brenda Williams), and John Slater(Stacy).

He was a proud grandfather of eleven: Quay Dopler(Shawnee Thompson), Jess Groomer(Levi), Jennifer LeCluyse(Matt), Justin Davis(Jami), Shannon Craig(Gavin), Joe Donarumo(Tasha), Virginia McMurdo(Justin), Frank Slater(Afua), Jenna Gospodnetich(Cody), Aislynn Slater, Emily Brownell(Cole); and was blessed with 24 great-grandchildren.

Family was Ken’s greatest joy, highest honor, and proudest accomplishment. He loved deeply and invested wholeheartedly in those he cherished.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife Vida Slater, his children, Nancy Martin and John Slater, his son-in-law Roger Davis, and his grandson Justin Davis.

He is survived by his children, Vicky Davis, Keena Donarumo and Jerry Slater, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Frances Burke; and a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

Ken was a musician in every sense of the word. Blessed with a strong and beautiful voice, he faithfully used his talent to praise and honor the Lord, leading song worship in church for many years. He also sang lead in a bluegrass band and continued playing the guitar until just a few years ago. He loved country, bluegrass and gospel music and possessed an incredible memory of artists, songs and music history. He passed his love of music on to his children and grandchildren, and today that legacy lives on through his great-grandchildren. To many, he will forever be remembered as “The Music Man”.

Ken’s legacy of faith, family, music and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers in Lubbock, TX on Saturday November 14, 2026 at 2pm. Visitation on Friday November 13, 2026 from 6 to 8pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Kenneth Slater to -

Haven Animal Care Shelter

4501 N. FM 1729

Lubbock, TX 79403

Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church

4401 N. University

Lubbock, TX 79415

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23