Arnold Cecil Slack

Arnold Cecil Slack, a cherished member of the community and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Odessa, Texas, at the age of 98. Born on January 13, 1927, in Louann, Arkansas, Arnold lived a life marked by dedication to his family, career, and country.

Arnold’s early years were shaped by a strong sense of duty and service. He was drafted into the Army during World War II in June 1945 while still in high school. He served honorably in the Military Police Battalion in Berlin, Germany, achieving the rank of Private First Class before being discharged in December 1946. After returning home, he completed his high school education and attended Hardin Simmons University until his marriage in 1950.

For 36 years, Arnold dedicated himself to a fulfilling career at Gulf of Oil Corporation, where he contributed to the success of the company and fostered many lasting friendships. He became widely known for his remarkable skills in cooking brisket, a talent he generously shared with his Masonic lodge. Through his culinary expertise, Arnold helped raise funds for the local lodge, Shriners, and various community organizations, touching the lives of many individuals in the process.

Arnold was a proud Master Mason of Fellowship Lodge, where he remained an active member for over 50 years. His dedication to the craft earned him the distinguished honors of the 32° Knight Commander of the Court of Honour (KCCH) and the 33° Inspector General Honorary within the Scottish Rite. He was also a committed member of the Shriners, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service, brotherhood, and philanthropy.

Arnold leaves behind a loving family consisting of his daughters Kim and her husband Larry Sears, Sandy and her husband Warren Lopata, and Nancy and her husband Max May. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Ashley Sears, Josh Sears, Paige and husband Jay Derington, Jackson, Luke, and Grace Lopata, Darren May, and Kayla Davidson, as well as his great-grandchildren: Zereniti Sears, Clay and Taylor Derington, Alexia Davidson, Bryson Davidson, and Asher Villa.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Erma Gean Slack, with whom he shared 62 beautiful years of marriage, as well as his brother Walter Gene Slack in December 1963, and his parents P.W. and Grace Slack.

Arnold's family invites friends and loved ones to join them for a viewing on September 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Andrews Corgill Funeral Home, located at 201 NE 1st St, Andrews, TX. A graveside service will be held the following day, September 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Andrews County North Cemetery, NW Ave D, Andrews, TX, where Arnold will be laid to rest. Military honors and Masonic rites will be rendered at the graveside in recognition of his service and legacy.

Pallbearers will be Richard Gutierrez, Josh Sears, Warren Lopata, Jack Derington, Clayton Derington, and Luke Lopata.

Though he is no longer with us, Arnold Cecil Slack’s spirit, kindness, and love for others will remain a cherished memory in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Arnold’s honor to the El Paso Scottish Rite and Odessa Shriners—two organizations that deeply reflected his lifelong commitment to service, brotherhood, and community.

Donations may be made at elpasoscottishrite.org and shrinersodessa.com