Arthur Joseph Slate

Arthur J. “Art” Slate, age 75, made his transition from this life on earth on Sunday, August 11, 2013. Born on April 1,1938 in Columbus, Ohio. Art was preceded in death by his father George Slate Sr., his mother Bernice Slate and brother George Slate Jr. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margo L. (Swayzer) Slate; sister, Diane (Clarence) Reavling; sons, Steven (Yvette) Slate and Anthony (Tamyka) Slate and five grandchildren, Schyler, Tahje, Tianna, Julian and Ryan. Art successfully served in several administrative positions in State of Ohio, Franklin County and City of Columbus government for 43 years and was co-owner of Capital Cleaning Company for 27 years. He was a 1956 graduate of West High School where he distinguished himself in music (Concert Band, Orchestra and Marching Band) and athletics (Track and Field and Cross Country), setting several records, serving as team captain and MVP and eventually being inducted into the West High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Art received a music scholarship to the Capital University where he became an acclaimed member of the Concert Band, Marching Band and Orchestra. Again, he also became an esteemed member of Track and Field and Cross Country, serving as team captain for both, setting several records and being a three time MVP. Art graduated from the Capital University in 1961. In 1986, Art was inducted into the Capital University Hall of Fame, where he was recognized as having been one of the finest Track and Field athletes in the history of the university. While serving in the U.S. Army, Art singlehandedly integrated a segregated U.S. Army Field Band (Fort Meade, MD) and the U.S. Army Band (Fort Myer, VA) as a result of his letter writing campaign to President John F. Kennedy. Further, during his successful career in state, county and city government, Art would continue to be a vocal opponent against racial disparities and injustice and instrumental in correcting those inequities and helping those who were affected by those imbalances. In 1983, Art and his wife Margo founded Capital Cleaning Company and enjoyed 27 years of fruitful business ownership. Art also continued to play his clarinet for the Clintonville Community Band and St. Thomas the Apostle Church Choir. Additionally, Art was an avid golfer, hitting the links every available weekend he could. Other bands he played for over the years were the All-City Band and Orchestra, All-Ohio Boys Band, Columbus Concert Band, 37th Infantry Division National Guard Band, 3rd Infantry Division Band at Wurzburg Germany and of course the 2nd Army Band at Fort Meade MD.