Robert "Bob" Slater

Robert Slater, 59, of Dover Ohio, passed away at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital on May 4th 2025. He passed peacefully under Cleveland Clinic Hospice Care. Previously, he lived independently at Malvern Manor for 20 years, but as his health began to fail, the family was able to better assist him nearby and to meet his needs and express how dearly he was loved.

He was born in Massillon, Ohio on July 4th, 1965 to the late Edna Marlene and Frederick E. Slater Jr.

Bob had so many different interests in music. Growing up, he watched Hee Haw, listening to Elvis and malt shop oldies music. He used to sing to his baby brother Mike "Roller Coaster" a 1970s soul song. Bob's taste in music did not end there, he really enjoyed such rock bands as REO Speedwagon, Journey, Pantera, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, ZZ Top and Willie Nelson just to name a few. As a Massillon Tiger fan, Bobby really enjoyed the "Eye of the Tiger" while watching his nephew, Ty Beadle play for the Massillon Tigers. He was very versatile in his music. He went to many Blossom Music Center events with family and friends, but Bob really enjoyed attending the Carrollton Fair for "Sounds for Concerts" and as he drew near to God and God certainly drew near to him, Alan Jackson was one of his favorites to listen to. Andy Griffith’s “Just As I Am” CD became Bob’s favorite and gave him comfort during his stay at the hospital.

Fond memories for Bob include traveling to Texas to visit his nephew Jamie, attending many Nascar races with his friends. His favorite driver was number 22 Joey Logano.

Bob was a huge fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians, and his real joy was visiting family and friends. His signature traits, big smile, and a thumbs up always responding when asked how he was, "GREAT!" was often his reply.

Big or small, Bob lived in the moment of every event.

Last but not least, Bob returned to his childhood faith. Thankfully, a faithful bus driver, Mr. Buck was instrumental in planting spiritual seeds in Bobby at a very young age. Those rides nor God's word would return void. From September 2024, after release from hospital, he attended Open Bible Fellowship under Pastor Dave Fox. However, after moving to Dover he was welcomed into Grace Bible Fellowship under Pastor Dan Branch. Bob enjoyed partaking in many activities within Church groups, including potlucks, community dinners, and game nights. He also felt great comfort getting to know everyone at new Dawn Chapel and took part in their Bible study under Chaplain Rod Neff.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother Frederick Earl Slater, and his fiance Janice Louise Rhome who passed away unexpectedly in 2007 before they were able to marry. Janice left behind a daughter, Christina (Jason) Cristner and granddaughters Gabrielle and Isabella who continued to play an important role in Robert's life he was often referred to as "Grandpa Bob."

Robert will be remembered by his loving siblings: Patricia (John) Beadle, Carol (Richard) Reynolds, Vince (Joann) Slater and Michael (Candy) Slater, six nephews, seven nieces, eight great- nephews, 12 great-nieces, three great-great nephews, and one great -great niece.

The family would like to honorably mention New Dawn Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Dover Ohio for their loving and compassionate care for Robert. They would also like to thank Chaplin Rod Neff and Mr.Buck from the Massillon Baptist Temple for their kindness and care they showed Robert as well as many others who took care of him over the years.

A memorial service will be held Saturday June 7th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Open Bible Christian Center located at 4170 Eldridge Avenue Southwest in Massillon Ohio. At this time, the family will hold a double memorial for Robert and Earl Slater.

To leave a message of condolence or support, please visit our online guestbook below.