Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors
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In loving memory of

Bart Slater
October 18, 1963 - March 4, 2010

Bart Slater, 46, of Pine Bluff, died Thursday, March 4, 2010. He was born in Pine Bluff, October 18, 1963, to Wanda Hogan Slater, and the late Rudy Slater.

Bart was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1982. He attended Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

He served on the Board of Partners for Pinnacle of Little Rock and was a former member of the Optimist Club of Pine Bluff. Bart was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed sharing his love of camping, hunting, fishing and boating with others. He took pride in mentoring both children and adults in these activities and great pleasure in spending time with family and friends at Lake Ouachita and the Slater family property.

Survivors include his wife, Paula DeBusk Slater, whom he married May 25, 1991 in Little Rock; mother, Wanda Hogan Slater of Pine Bluff; his brothers in life, Jeff Paxton of Conway, and Charlie Ingram of Mobile, AL; Mother-in-Law, Kelly DeBusk and Sister-in-law, Molly DeBusk of Little Rock; Godchildren, Justin, Kristen and Carson Eldridge, all of Little Rock and Lindsay Eldridge of Rogers; honorary Godchildren, Jonathan and Kathryn Stewart also of Little Rock and Toni Michelle Hardin of Conway; and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Jan Edwards officiating.

 

Memorials may be made to Partners for Pinnacle, PO Box 17643, Little Rock, Arkansas 72222 or UAMS-ALS Research, 4301 West Markham Street Slot 716, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.

Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com

 

Guestbook

terry & alisa (lavender) secrest
4025 waterford dr alexandria, la
i haven't seen bart since highschool, he was a super guy. so sorry to hear about your loss. our thoughts and prayer are with you

Jenny Lou (Hayes) Morgan
15963 Country Ridge Drive Chesterfield MO 63017
Wanda, I am so sorry about Bart. Please know you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jenny Lou

Greg Stimis
Little Rock, AR
Gale and I were so saddened to receive the news and felt terrible that we were out of town and could not attend the service to express our feelings personally. Bart was a true friend and will be missed. I will cherish the memories of our friendship. Paula, if there is anything I/we can do, you know we are here for you.

Marty and Rita Sewald
Pine Bluff
Wanda and Paula, It is always incredibly difficult for us to lose a former student and especially one like Bart. I cannot imagine the loss and grief you are experiencing at this time. Please know that you are in our prayers and we are confident that God's grace will be sufficient for you at this time.

Lisa & Randy Smith
117 Sunset Lane, North Little Rock, AR
Paula, once again, we are so saddened about Bart. We have been lifting you and the family up in our prayers every day since we found out. We're sorry we didn't get to make it to the memorial service, but Paula, we will be there for you whenever you need us. Please let us help in any way we can. We love you!!!!

Dorsey & Nancy Byers
911 Hodge Watson Rd., Calhoun, LA 71225
Dear Wanda, We have wished to literally walk with you today but look forward to a day soon when we can come and spend some "face to face" time with you.We have so many precious memories of our times with Rudy, you and Bart and nothing can ever take away those memories. We find great hope in the assurance we will see and be with them one day and for ALL ETERNITY.We pray that God will let you know how much you are loved and cared for.With much love, Dorsey and Nancy

Donna Martin-Sims
Cordova, TN
Wanda and Paula, Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your lossâ?¦my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am so glad I had a chance to get to know Bart and be a friend to your family. Peace, Prayers and Blessings always.

Vicki McNeill
Little Rock
Wanda and family, I am so terribly sorry to hear of Bart's passing. Rudy, Bart and you were such a presence in my childhood that I most of my memories of growing up in PB involve the three of you! I recall riding in the car listening to your 8 track player, going camping in Hot Springs, to the beach in Florida, Bart and I riding in the doghouses in the back of Rudy's truck, and he and I singing Seals and Crofts while we played our tennis racquet guitars! He was truly a great guy and I'm so sorry I can't be there to give you a hug and recount these stories with you in person. Please know me and the entire McNeill family are praying for you and your family at this time of loss.

Nancy Chu
Little Rock
My thoughts and prayers are with your family with your loss of a wonderful, precious, and loving son and husband, Bart. May God's love give you strength and peace. May His arm's comfort you, Hold you during this difficult time.

Tonya & David Jones
tonyaj6@aim.com
100 Timber Lane White Hall, AR
Our hearts are heavy for the loss of Bart, and the sadness of this time for the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.

Rodger and Dana (Rhodes) Bridges
Sheridan, AR
Wanda - We are saddened to learn of your loss of Bart. Always when you spoke of him you had that special glow. Bart was very fortunate to have such a loving family; take comfort in knowing that he was aware of the love you and Rudy bestowed upon him. May God's love and your precious memories be a comfort to you during this difficult time. Rodger, Dana and Elmyra

Shannon Tripcony (Mitchell)
Little Rock, Arkansas
I am so sorry to hear that Bart passed away. He was always so sweet to me. When I came in this family 17 years ago, you and Bart welcomed me with open arms at Uncle Rick's for fourth of July, Thanksgivings at Bill and Ruthie's. family reunions, and any other time we had the chance to see each other. You are in my thoughts, and you are always welcome to call if you need a friend to talk to or just to sit with. Your cousin and friend, Shannon

Brenda & Jimmie Norsworthy
Pine Bluff, Ar

Joe Reed
JDRWaco@yahoo.com
Waco, TX
Bart will be missed by many 'brothers' from Sigma Alpha Sigma at Ouachita. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May the Lord bless & keep you through this difficult time.

Greg & Cyndy Glover
140 Pioneer Drive, Rison, AR
Wanda and Paula, our hearts are so heavy for you in yet another great loss. We were so shocked and heartbroken for you when we got the tragic news about Bart. While we know your hearts ache, we couldn't begin to know your pain. All we can do is pray that you feel the comfort and peace that only the Lord can provide. Please know our love, thoughts, and prayers are continually with you now and in the very difficult days ahead.

Ron Salley
ron.salley@arkansas.gov
14111 Pinnacle Valley Rd.
Our friend, our pal, our partner Bart Slater will be missed; maybe as much as he was cherished in life. It is rare that I become as close to someone as quickly has I did Bart. It normally takes a little while to allow the "real" person to show. With Bart this time, this exercise, this stage was not necessary. When Bart was there--he was there in a fundamentally "truthful" way. I met this great human-being when his wife Paula became an "important" volunteer, partner and friend to Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Bart's Mother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law had already made a profound impact on the park. I simply could not believe that there could be more people (all in the same family) that manifested the discipline, strong work ethic, high-level attitude and the ability to be genuine that I'd seen in these ladies. But alas, here comes Mr. Bart Slater. Bart's contribution to Partners for Pinnacle, Pinnalce Mountain State Park and Rendezvous simply can't be measured. He has given of himself in so many ways; and given in extreme volumns! I have been improved as a professional, as well as a man through my meeting, association and friendship with Bart. He is "one" that I am so very happy to have had the opportunity to have shared the same space along this journey that we call "life". He will be forever remembered!

Mike And Deborah Elliott
973 Wafer Road, Haughton, la.71037
Paula, Our Hearts and Prayers go out to you , Mrs Wanda , Jeff and Everyone that was lucky enough to know Bart. I thank God for his grace and I know in the days to come, as in the years past, MY heart will bring a smile to my face when I think of my friend Bart.

Mary Elkins/Lewis
raymar1412@charter.net
1412 Whittenburg Dr., Fort Worth ,Tx
Paula and Wanda, my children were cousinâ??s of cousins to Bart but he always treated them just like cousins. Being in the military we werenâ??t around much but when we did come to Pine Bluff we were always included in the activities of the Hogan/Slater/Elkins group. We were even included in activities at Lake Ouachita. Some of these experiences were the highlight of my childrenâ??s lives. In the last few days Grady has told me some tales that I have never heard before. As a mother Iâ??m glad I didnâ??t know about the events then but apparently Bart was the hero of the incident. We never know the paths that life is going to lead us down. The Hogan/Slater/Elkins group has certainly been down some paths that were not of our choosing. However we do know that God is with us and our loved ones. There must have been quite a reunion in Heaven. Iâ??m sure Ray had to remind them that he doesnâ??t fish. However, he loved to eat catfish. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you as you go through this time of grief. Try to remember the good times. Iâ??ve read the things that people from different stages of Bartâ??s life have had to say about him and I know he was the same with everyone a genuine person, a friend to all. With all my love, Mary.

Vanessa Hopkins
White Hall AR
Words are never adequate in moments of sorrow such as this. Please rest in the knowledge that you have a host of family and friends who care for you and will pray for your peace and comfort. Bart will be missed by many! Much love and prayers to you Paula & Wanda.

Meleah Taylor Arnold
Conway, Ar 72034
I went to High School with Bart, he was such a nice person. I'm sorry for your loss.

Edward Haddock
PO Box 563, Jacksonville AR 72078
Paula, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bart was such a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed.

Rick Riley
RRileyNo1@aol.com
319 Summit Dr Destin FL 32541
I'm thinking about you Paula. Bart was a terrific guy. A true role model.

Melinda Mayo
Little Rock
Ms. Wanda and Paula, you are in my constant prayers. Bart was a dear friend with the voice of an angel. After the pain subsides, I will keep all the wonderful memories from jr. high, high school, OBU and beyond. As all A Cappella singers would say, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You."

Lynne Nutt Plummer
Marion Louisiana
My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Grady Lewis
g_ray_lewis@live.com
1412 Whittenburg Drive, Fort Worth, Texas
Paula&Wanda I am sorry to hear of Bart's passing. Bart & I are cousins. Bart saved my butt & Rudy's boat. Without even a raised voice, and that was Bart. He loved nature & family no matter how distant. The story is funnier then I tell it, I don't have the heart or space to do it justice. I can see Jimmy,Rudy & Dad greeting Bart,maybe when we are all together again he and I will tell the tail. He will be missed, as all that go before us are missed. Perfect and whole with our Heavenly Father He now sits.

lynn carter
the Woodlands, texas
So sorry for your loss. May God give you peace during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lottie (Brown) Tryon
Tulsa, OK
To Wanda and family. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God sustain you all.

Lynda Harrison
7720 Jay Lynn Lane Pine Bluff, Ark
Wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your loss. Bart was a fine young man that I will always remember. I know that you will miss him greatly in your life. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family in the coming days.

Gordy McKeown
San Antonio, TX
I am shocked and saddened by the loss of Bart. I was fortunate enough to have spent countless hours with him in high school. He was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. His spirit for others was truly uplifting. He will always be remembered. I hope you find peace knowing he is with our Lord.

Lenatte Snowbarger
designsbylenatte@sbcglobal.net
5 Carlton Road,Hutchinson, Kansas 67502
Dear Wanda, What a shock to hear of Barts death. Please know that you and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers. With much love and prayers from an old friend. Net

Margaret Erwin
Little Rock, AR
Wanda and Paula, My heart is broken for you both. You are in my prayers.

Jay and Leslie Erwin
Memphis, Tn.

Susan Warren Wolf & family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time. May God's love and strength meet your every need.

Leeann Sadler
lsad21@yahoo.com
Little Rock,Ar
Im so heart broken to hear of this loss. I have many many wonderful memories of Bart from Jr High through high school,listening to vinyls on his stereo and his charming,funny personality. I randomly have wondered about many former high school friends and he is one of them. Its true that we never know how our connection with others affects them when we part. I wish I could have told him how I smile and enjoy remembering our times together in A Cappella and PB Singers and other random times. My deepest sympathies to his beautiful family and the friends so dedicated to him. May Jesus wrap his mercy around your hurting,loving hearts-Leeann Sadler

Harold Bradley
Wanda and Paula. Find comfort in knowing that you two were the most important women in Bart's life. Find hope in knowing that he would want both of you to take the time you need to grieve and then let every memory become a blessing to remind you of the precious son you had for 46 years and the loving husband you shared your life with these past 19 years. Find peace in knowing that one day you will all be reunited in Glory.

Jane Elmore
Jane.Elmore@Fisglobal.com
Maumelle, AR
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Wes Banks
Sorry for your loss and I am asking God to give you comfort and strength.

Earnest and Linda Silvey
12300 Princeton Pike
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Bart will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Earnest and Linda Silvey
12300 Princeton Pike
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Bart will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Adrianne (Smithey) Bennett
Little Rock, AR
Paula, I was devestated to hear about Bart. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love.

Lisa Eldridge
3507 Mockingbird Lane, Rogers Arkansas
I don't know where to begin except to say that we will miss Bart in our lives. Bart embodied all the good things you seek in a person. He was a truly good man. He had a quiet sincerity about him; never pushy or intrusive, just enough to let you know he was there if you needed him. Whether called upon by family, friends, or work, he was always generous with his time. Bart was exceptional in the role of Godfather to our Lindsay. He was influential in her life, and even while living far apart, Bart made the effort to be a participant in her development. They enjoyed each others company and you could tell he felt joy to be in her confidence. I always admired Bart's ability to stay calm. One of my favorite remembrances of Bart will be the time he was cutting a tree with a chainsaw at their home in Memphis and it kicked back and cut his leg open. The story goes that he went inside and calmly got a garbage bag so that he wouldn't get his car messy before asking Paula to take him to the hospital. I forget how many stitches he had to have. It makes me smile even now. Clearly, he was a man you wanted around in an emergency. Let me sum up by quoting David Viscott who said "To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." Bart felt the sun from both sides. Paula, I love you as a sister. If you need anything don't hesitate to call me. - Lisa

Chad Kelley
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Paula, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Ric and Shannon Dubois
Arlington, Texas
Wanda and Paula, we are so very sorry for your loss. Bart was a special part of my life during our college years and a lifelong brother in the years that followed. Our prays are with you. May God give you strength and understanding in this difficult time.

Perry Fowler
4297 Country Garden Walk, Kennesaw, GA
Paula, Bart and I were SAS brothers at OBU. I am now a Pastor in Atlanta and will have our church put your family on our prayer list and I will personally keep you in my prayers as well. Bart has been a blessing to all.

Angela Norton-Sites
Pine Bluff, AR
I am sincerely sorry for your loss.

Shawn Patterson
Sherwood, AR
I know the SAS brotherhood will all miss you Bart. God Bless.

Brad & Lexi Moore
moores4u@hotmail.com
Benton, Arkansas
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Bart. We were close friends at OBU. God bless his family and may the Holy Spirit comfort us all.

Benji and Tracie Post
bpost@att.net
557 Lollie Road, Mayflower, AR
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May God bless you and comfort you.

Sara Milner
saramilner129@aol.com
8200 Friendship Lane, Pine Bluff, AR
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Bart was a wonderful person.

Jay Bucki
2658 Hawthorne Lake Rd, Helena, AL
I am praying for you, Paula and the family. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great Man, Husband and friend. He will be missed but not forgotten. He is by the Lord's side with all of the heavenly hosts. We will all see him again.

Dee Harrison Davis

I am so sorry for your loss. Bart was such a nice guy. I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Dana Turner
Seabrook, Texas
I knew Bart from the High School Choir in Pine Bluff. He was kind and good to people. May the Lord keep you close in this time of grief.

Tana Soto Cook
211 Opie lane
Paula, I was very hurt when I heard the news today about Bart. I will be praying for you and family!

Lynn Smith
LSmith20@central.uh.edu
Houston, Texas
So sorry to hear of Bart's passing. We were pledge brothers at Ouachita. My prayers and best wishes to the family in this time of loss that God will strengthen you and heal your hurts during this difficult time.

Donna Gier
smilesbig_76@hotmail.com
Siloam Springs, AR
Mrs. Wanda, I have no words. Just know that I love you so very much!

Beth Johnston
4943 S. Crescent Avenue
Wanda, I am so sorry! Bart was an awesome gentleman and classmate. My thoughts and prayers are with you always! Beth Johnston

Jerry & Tami Clark
loophiker@sunflower.com
10914 Oak Dr. Kansas City, KS 66109
I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our faithful prayers. Pledge brother from OBU

Alan and Anne Stokes
Lansing, Michigan
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find strength from the Almighty at this time and always.

Bob and Anne Smithey
Pine Bluff
Paula, we extend our deepest sympathy at this very difficult time.

Wayne and Pat Williams
3409Scenic Dr. Pine Bluff Ar.
Wanda and Paula so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you. God love and keep you at this time and always. Wayne and Pat

Sissy Aeschliman
1954 Mount Badon Lane
Paula, I am so sorry to hear this news. I pray for you and your family to have strength to get through this. May your family be lifted up in prayer at this time. Love ya.

Brad Hall
Atlanta GA
Paula, Sorry just doesn't cut it. There aren't words to express pain I feel for you and Wanda. Just know that you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you both.

David & Barrett Bonds
Midland, Tx
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cassandra (Reynolds) Shaw
cshaw3103@sbcglobal.net
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
I am both shocked and saddened by the death of my classmate Bart Slater. PBHS Class of â??82 has lost another member. Bart was very instrumental in planning the first Class Reunion, serving as treasurer. He was great to work with and those attending benefited from his careful attention to detail. Bart was a great guy who I feel honored to call my friend. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family â?? my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Penny Castleberry Stewart
Alberta, Canada
So sorry to hear about Bart.

Cara Cheesman Barrentine
ched86@aol.com
Dahlonega, GA
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to the family. I have very fond memories of Bart from my high school days. I enjoyed listening to him sing ballads with friends and always enjoyed my time hanging out with him. He was a good friend and he would always lend an ear to listen to others. I feel I was honored to have known him. Thoughts and prayers continue for his family.

Hunter and Virginia Breshears
Bentonville, Arkansas
Wanda, Paula and family, Our hearts go out to all of you at this time of loss. Our prayers are with you as well.

Sandy Stephens Rodgers
Springdale, AR
Wanda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Sandy Stephens Rodgers

Don & Sarah Mann
desgmann@gmail.com
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Wanda, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish we could be with you. We love you.

Roger Funderburg
Pine Bluff, AR
Paula, Wanda and all the family, know that myself and lots of others are thinking of you and praying for God to be with you in this time of loss. We all love you and loved Bart very much.

Lisa Boccarossa
2307 W. 39th Pine Bluff AR
We are so sorry to hear about Bart. Lisa Reed Boccarossa & Mary Reed

Renee and Cliff White
Wanda and Paula, At this time there seems to be no words. Please know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Charles Bonner
2695 Sequoyah Drive, Rogers, AR 72758
My dad just sent this to me. To say I am shocked doesn't begin to describe my feelings. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Patsy McDaniel
4420 Nail Road, Olive Branch, Ms. 38654
Paula: My heart is so heavy for you in your loss. Please know that you and your family and Bart's mom are in my thoughts and prayers.

Michael and Rita Wingard
White Hall AR
We love you and are praying for God's arms to be around you in this time.

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