Randy Slapak

Randy Thomas Slapak, age 73, passed suddenly from his earthly life on December 5, 2025, leaving behind family, friends and big boots to fill. 

A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery in Dalhart, Texas. Services are entrusted to Dalhart Funeral Home. 

Randy was born in Stamford, Texas to Harry Slapak and Doris Freeman Slapak on February 2, 1952. He graduated from Stamford High School in 1970 and proudly served in the United States Airforce from 1972-1981. After his military service, Randy worked for many years in the insurance business and also owned and operated a western jewelry company. 

Randy moved to Nashville in 1999 and began working as a maintenance contractor for Exxon while they were building new TigerMarkets. He has continued his maintenance company with convenience stores through 2025 ,working with various contractors. He also contracted to build sign masonry and brick bases for large commercial signs. 

In 2001 he married his great love, Pat Lathem. They built a life together in Spring Hill, TN, traveling back to the ranch in Dalhart, TX every chance they could and then to Abilene to see the kids and grandkids. Randy developed many great and deep friendships in TN and loved them and the area. There were many good times celebrated and he lived life to the fullest.

Randy Slapak was a proud Freemason. He became a Master Mason in 1977. He was a member of John Sayles Lodge in Abilene, Beech Lodge #240 in Hendersonville and Corinthian Lodge #8 in Nashville. He joined the Scottish Rite in 2001, earned the honor of KCCH in 2011 and was elected to the rank of 33° Inspectors General Honorary in 2023. He was a very active member of all aspects of Freemasonry, dedicating much of his time and resources in service to others. Randy served on the Board of Directors for Shriners Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio for over 15 years, including as Board Chair. He was a major contributor and solicitor in support of many fundraising efforts. He could also be counted on for transportation to various Masonic activities, but you had to be ready when it was time to ‘go move his truck’. 

Randy was very active in Al Menah Shrine, bringing joy to children and adults alike as Slappy the Clown, receiving the Clown of the Year Award twice. He served as Ringmaster Chairman of the Shrine Circus for two years, creatively bringing awareness of the circus to the community at large. Whether the setting was a hospital, a parade, a party or just a gathering of friends at The Batters Box, he brought a smile to the hearts of all those around him.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, and step father August Vasek, as well as his inlaws, Ed and Ruth Lathem, brother Monty Slapak and brother in law Chester Lathem. 

He is survived by his wife, Pat (“Patricia Lynn as he called her), daughter Randa (Tony) Tucker, son Ryan (Stephanie) Slapak, and sister Dona (Bill) Lackey. He leaves behind his grandchildren Hannah (Tyler) Mitchell, Zachary Slapak, Chaney Tucker, Carson Tucker and Ryder Slapak, as well as two great grandchildren Cooper and Braylee. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends he considered family. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Zachary Slapak, Chaney Tucker, Carson Tucker, Tony Tucker, Damon Albus, Wayne Bailey, Doug Lathem and Russell Lathem.

He owned and loved several Harley motorcycles and enjoyed riding through the TN countryside. He was also interested in all types of firearms and shooting events. His greatest love of life was to help people and make them happy. 

While Randy was bigger than life and certainly confident, few knew how truly selfless he was. Many of his acts of generosity were known by others, yet he did a multitude of good deeds without recognition or fanfare. His hat was big (and always creased) but the size of his heart was too large to measure.

Donations in his memory can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital of Dayton, Ohio. 

“The greatest legacy anyone can leave behind is to positively impact the lives of others. Whenever you add value to other people’s lives, you are unknowingly leaving footprints on the sands of time that live on, even after your demise.” --Emaesoba George