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Obituary : Frank Norman Slaton Sr. |
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Frank Norman Slaton Sr. Resident of Oakland, CA Frank Slaton Sr. was born April 25, 1927 in Fresno, CA to John and Geneva Slaton. He passed away peacefully on September 19, 2009 at the age of 82. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather is now reunited joyfully in heaven with his loving wife Vilma Slaton. Frank will be missed forever by his children: Frank Jr. and wife Sandy, Joanne, Karen and husband Elmer, his grandchildren: Christopher, Danielle, Deanna, Andre, Anthony, Alicia, Vanessa, Mario and his great-grandchild, Khylie. He also leaves behind 3 brothers, 4 sisters and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Most of Frank's life was spent in Oakland, CA where he graduated from McClymonds High School in 1946. He was an all-league athlete in football and track, a member of McClymonds student government and played the saxophone in the jazz band. Following his high school career, he continued to play football with a semi-pro team based in Oakland. On February 22, 1973 Frank joined Good Hope Lodge #29 in Oakland, CA. He held various positions in the Masonic Order eventually achieving the title of Worshipful Master in 1978. Frank worked as an upholsterer for Simmons Mattress Company until he changed jobs in 1975. He was then employed by the Oakland Unified School District as a shop foreman in the Buildings and Grounds Department until he retired in 1989. He was an avid gardener and was able to pursue his passion when he purchased property in Clear Lake, CA. He loved driving his tractor and tending his garden. After he retired, Clear Lake became his second home before complications from ALS restricted his mobility. His favorite holiday was New Year's Day. He began preparing his famous soul food dishes days beforehand to share with family and friends. His pies, cobblers and gumbo were enjoyed by all. Frank also had a passion for traveling. If he was not visiting family or friends, he was traveling to new places. One of his priorities was supporting his children and grandchildren. On any given weekend you could see Frank at a track meet, a football game, a soccer game or a ballet performance, encouraging and cheering on his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Family was always the center of Frank's life. Nothing was more important than spending time with loved ones. No matter where he was or what he was doing, he had a camera in hand, capturing all of life's memories. He was a great friend and he was always available 24/7 with a generous heart and a big smile. He will forever live in our hearts. Viewing will be on Sunday, September 27th from 12:30pm to 4:30pm at C.P. Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Blvd, Oakland, CA. A celebration of Frank's life will be held in his honor on Monday, September 28th at 11:00am at C.P Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Blvd, Oakland, CA. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the ALS Association, 565 Commercial Street, 2nd Floor, San Franciso, CA 94111.
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