Dr. Don Slaton

Gary “Don” Slaton, 69, of Hot Springs passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2022. He was born September 25, 1953 in Osceola, Arkansas to the late Ray and Wanda Slaton. As a believer in Jesus Christ, Don is now a resident of heaven!

If you were a friend, patient or just briefly met Don, you knew he possessed the heart of a servant. Never forgetting his roots or where he came from, Don never said no. He coached all different levels of baseball, from machine pitch up; one summer coaching five different teams. He was the co-founder of the Lakeside Baseball Association and served on the board of the Boys Club. He was a member of the Lakeside School Board for over 10 years.

After graduating Rivercrest High School, Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, he became Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. In addition to practicing Gastroenterology for 21 years, he built the first freestanding endoscopy center in Hot Springs and served on the Board of Trustees for Baptist Health.

Dr. Slaton was a man of integrity and faith. He served First Baptist Church as a Deacon, RA leader, choir member, Sunday School teacher and was instrumental in establishing the Rock Steady Boxing program. Don’s service extended to mission trips to the people of Nicaragua, Russia, Paris, Senegal and the Czech Republic.

Of all of his accomplishments, his family was the greatest. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was known for his jokes, pranks and infectious laughter.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother, Doug Slaton.

Cherishing his memory are his wife of 43 years, Cathy Reed Slaton; 3 children, Chris (Jenny) of Hot Springs, Ray (Chayla) of Little Rock, and Art (Kala) of Conway; grandchildren Madeline, Haddie, Collin, and Bowen Slaton; brothers, David (Lou) of Dallas, Dale (Gerre) of Edmond, Oklahoma; and sister Donna Vincent (Allen) of Hot Springs; cousins, Tab Prewett, Phillip (Misti) Prewett, and Cathy Crosswhite; numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Don was assisted in his fight against atypical Parkinson’s disease by Hot Springs Rock Steady Boxing, Amy Johnson, Dana Lane, Jenny Ross, Karen Taylor, Adam Borel, Dr. Greg Whorton, Dr. Hillary Williams, Dr. Mitesh Lotia and others.

His family would like to extend their gratitude to Tina Patrick, Home Instead, and House of Three for the level of grace, respect, and care they gave Don in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory can be made to First Baptist Church, Hot Springs Rock Steady Boxing or to the Rivercrest Alumni Association Scholarship fund through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110 Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.

All are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Don Slaton at 2:00 P.M. Friday September 30, 2022 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church-Hot Springs. Interment to follow in Hollywood Cemetery with Dr. John McCallum officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time.