Jeffrey Franklin Sladovnik

"Another Marine Reporting, Sir.
Slado got promoted to Gate Guard.
Rest in Peace Brother" 
~Fellow Marines

Jeffrey Franklin Sladovnik 'Slado', 59, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jeff was born to Franklin D. Sladovnik and Roxay Sanders Sladovnik on Wednesday, September 25, 1963 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Growing up in Crowley, Texas he established life long friendships, excelled in football and baseball, and might have enjoyed living life on the edge by being a stubborn dare devil.  He was a gifted artist with beautiful and unique handwriting and was extremely intelligent, with a great sense of humor.  Through his art, he was able to express himself.

Following in the family military tradition, he chose to enlist into the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune located in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  He proudly served his country from 1982 to 1986 as a LCPL, Missile Assault Man.  He earned a Sharpshooter Qualification badge, Good Conduct medal and was given a Letter of Appreciation.  He tested and was offered a position as a Merchant Marine, but chose to remain with his fellow soldier brothers in his current position.  Upon returning home from the Marines he married Amanda Self on August 7, 1987, establishing their family together.  He began his career as a Master Brick Mason working for prominent North Texas companies in the masonry industry as a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union.  It was with this articulate skill that he won 1st place in the Texas State Apprentice Brick Layer Competition.  His craftsmanship and hard work contributed to the building of the Bass Performance Hall and the Texas Ranger Baseball stadium where his name is on a plaque there today acknowledging his contribution.  He was a passionate sports enthusiast, loved the tranquility of nature while camping and fishing, watching the beauty of a sunrise, loved music (anything from rock to country), understood the value of hard work, and was one PROUD MARINE.  Jeff is truly loved and will be missed.  

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Sladovnik, Roxay Sanders, and Gary Brooks; grandparents; brother-in-law, Rick Lasater, special love, Chris Boyer, and many special aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

Jeff is survived by his children; April Self and husband, Steve Smith, Samantha Sladovnik, Franklin Sladovnik, and Casie Sladovnik; grandchildren, Eli, Kenzie, Piper, Denver, Joshua and Nova Ophelia;  sisters, Tammie Lasater, Nancie Poe and husband, Jay; step-mother, Frances Brooks; and many nieces, nephews, loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends, including special friend, Debbie Jones.  

- SEMPER FI 

There will be a private memorial held at a later date per Jeff's wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests prayers and great loving memories be shared of Jeff.

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