Paul Slicer

Paul Alfred Slicer of Hollister, Mo., passed away Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Paul was born in Kennett Aug. 17, 1928, to Paul and Frances Slicer. After graduating from Kennett High School, Paul attended the University of Missouri at Columbia where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and president of his pledge class. He has continued to hold dear his wonderful Beta friendships. Music has always been one of Paul's greatest passions. During college, he sang with the George Kraz Band and was given the name "Bud Cutter" by his fraternity brothers.

Paul went on to attend law school and received his juris doctorate from the University of Missouri in 1954. Following law school, he served in the U.S. Army with the "Big Red One" of the 1st Infantry Division where he taught at the NCO Academy in Germany. Paul continued to be active in the Missouri National Guard for many years and retired as Major USAR-JAG.

Paul worked in city, county, and state government serving in the Attorney General's Office under Thomas Eagleton and later as Corporation Counsel for the state of Missouri under Warren Hearnes. He later worked as in-house corporate counsel in the insurance and financial industries. Paul retired as regional counsel for Citicorp at the age of 55 at which time he began his second career at the College of the Ozarks. Paul was a member of the Church of the College of the Ozarks and also served on the Board of College Associates. Retiring in 2001, he was awarded Emeritus status from the College. Paul had a profound and lasting love for the College and its students, often saying his 18 years of college employment were his happiest.

Paul loved to travel and study history and always felt he was blessed to have each day. He truly loved the Lord. We will all cherish the memories he created for his family and friends.

Paul is survived by his wife, Veneda Watson Slicer (the love of his life). They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on New Year's Eve this year. He is also survived by three daughters, Pamela and her husband Steve LaPointe, of Overland Park, Kan., Patricia Slicer, of Hollister, and Penny and her husband P.J. McDermott, of Lee's Summit, Mo., and grandson, Shane Nicholas, of Overland Park.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul Slicer, Sr., in 1983 in Kennett, at which time his mother, Frances Slicer, moved to the Ozarks and made her home with the family until her death in 2000.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the many friends and family who have been so kind and loving. The many prayers, visits, cards, and love have been a great source of comfort. We would also like to thank Skaggs Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

Memorial services will be in the Williams Memorial Chapel at the College of the Ozarks, today, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dan Chinn officiating.

Visitation for family and friends will follow at the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Cremation internment will be in Kennett at a later date.

Services and cremation are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home in Branson, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, Paul's memory can be honored by donations to the College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Missouri 65726.