James ‘Whistle’ Slavings, 76

Graveside services for James Randall (Whistle) Slavings, 76, of Caulfield, will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at Amy Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mr. Slavings died at 9:26 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 20, at his home.   

He was born Nov. 11, 1946, at Hayti, Missouri, to James Henry Slavings and Vertie Rosetta Mitchell Slavings.  On Jan. 10, 1970, he was married at Bridgman, Michigan, to Margerite Cleland; it was a cold, snowy day.  

Mr. Slavings was a veteran, having proudly served in the United States Navy as Boatswain’s Mate Third Class June 1965 to April 1969.  

He worked at Bendix in St. Joe, Michigan, for a number of years.  

He was a lifetime member of the Bayou Mason Lodge No. 365 and served as treasurer from 2009 to 2021.    

His family extended their sincerest heartfelt thanks to Dr. Roylance and Dr. Martin for the exceptional management of James’ medical needs and to his wonderful hospice team, especially Lisa, Boomer and Roberta; “We will never forget how each of you bonded and cared for our loved one, ‘Pinky Promise,’” they said.  

He is survived by his wife Margerite Slavings; two daughters: Colleen Hensley and husband Dwayne and Marian Luna and husband Brad; three grandchildren: Amanda Taylor and husband Halsey, Lucas Hensley and wife Jamie and Skylar Luna and wife Courtney; three great-grandchildren: Jenaca and Judd Hensley and Haddie Mae Taylor; special friend, Gavin Pearson; four brothers: Slim Slavings and wife Diane, Carl Slavings and wife Debbie, Steve Slavings and Robert Slavings and wife Gina; one sister, Linda Evans; one sister-in-law, Elaine Slavings; one brother-in-law, Terry Cleland; and several nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one granddaughter, Charlotte Marie Luna, one brother, Alvin Slavings, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Ozella Cleland, sisters-in-law, Karen Slavings and Emma Cleland, brothers-in-law, Clifton Evans and Douglas Cleland, preceded him in death.   

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com

Ozark County Times

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