Tom Ault Sluder, Jr. Obituary

Tom Ault Sluder, Jr.

 Tom Ault Sluder, Jr., age 78, passed away March 17, 2016, surrounded by his family, after a lengthy illness.  He was born December 20, 1937

in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Tom Ault Sluder, Sr, and  his wife Floy Mae Wozencraft of Olton, Texas.  A memorial service will be held March 21

at 2:00 at First Baptist Church, Cisco,TX.

     Tom graduated from Olton High School in 1956.  He attended Texas A & M until 1960 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He served

his country in Special Forces until 1964 when he received his discharge and entered private business in Olton.  Later he moved to Lubbock to

pursue business ventures.  While in Lubbock he served on the Texas Tech Rodeo Board and was an avid supporter of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

     Tom's adventuresome spirit prompted him to teach himself to fly hot air balloons.  He enjoyed flying for many years in various parts of the world.

     In 2000 he married Janice Ford Shepard.  They resided in Cisco where he was involved in ranching and the cattle industry.  He served on the

Cisco City Council, was a member of the First Baptist Church, Ex-GI's, and was a devoted Lobo and Lady Lobo fan.  

     Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Eric Michael Sluder.

     He is survived by his wife Janice, sisters Leabelle Finch and husband, Orville, of Dalhart, Dianna Gheer of Canyon, and Peggy Kraatz of

Cheyene, Wyoming.  Other survivors include two sons, Stephen Anthony and wife Cindi of Belin, New Mexico and Stanley Ault Sluder and wife

Karen of Alburqueue, New Mexico.  His grandchildren are Elizabeth, Erica, Briannia Marie, Sarah, and Matt Sluder.

     Tom was also loved by his step-children Kimberly Parris and husband Matt of Katy,TX, Kari Patranella and husband Pat of Lufkin, TX,

Krista Svendsen and husband Scott of Alvarado, TX, and Brent Shepard and fiancé Cami Schulze , of Richmond, TX.  Grandchildren include

Brandon, Candace,  Cameron and Charity Parris, Colton and Cale Svendsen and Austin Shepard.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten

Island, NY 10305, or the charity of your choice.