82R4448 MMS-D
By: Hardcastle H.R. No. 500
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Citizens of Montague County suffered an
immeasurable loss with the passing of Senior Corporal David Ralph
Slaton on September 20, 2010, at the age of 56; and
WHEREAS, A trooper with the Texas Department of Public
Safety, Corporal Slaton died as the result of a traffic accident
while he was on duty, and his death has had a profound impact on both
the extended circle of law enforcement officers to which he
belonged and the community that adopted him as one of its own; and
WHEREAS, Born in Texarkana on October 11, 1953, David Slaton
graduated from Texas High School in 1971 and completed training to
become a state trooper in 1974; his first assignment took him to
Bowie, where he ultimately spent his entire career; an imposing
presence, Corporal Slaton brought to his work a tireless dedication
and an unfailing professionalism, qualities that earned him the
deep respect of colleagues and fellow citizens alike; and
WHEREAS, David Slaton contributed to his community in his
off-duty hours, as well; he especially enjoyed coaching youth
basketball and Little League teams, and he was an enthusiastic
supporter of Jackrabbit sports; other favorite pastimes included
golfing and exploring the digital world through his computer; and
WHEREAS, Though his vocation was a demanding one, Corporal
Slaton handled its challenges with a strength of spirit that shone
through all his endeavors; his cheerful nature and irrepressible
grin were as much a trademark of this widely admired Texan as his
towering, six-and-a-half-foot frame; and
WHEREAS, David Slaton and his wife, the former Lynetta
Boudreaux, exchanged wedding vows on February 27, 1982, at First
Baptist Church in Bowie; they shared a rewarding marriage of 28
years and became the proud parents of a son, Bo; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his long and honorable career, David
Slaton exemplified the highest ideals of his profession, and those
who were privileged to share in the warmth of his affection will
forever hold him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Senior Corporal David
Ralph Slaton and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his
family: to his wife, Lynetta Slaton; to his son, Bo Slaton; to his
parents, Ralph Owen and Anne Belle Slaton; to his sisters, Deanna
Torrens and her husband, George, and Teresa Moss; to his
mother-in-law, LaVella Boudreaux; to his brother-in-law, Robert
Boudreaux; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Senior
Corporal David Ralph Slaton.