A true inspiration who battled cancer with a lion’s heart, Mark B. Slaughter, of Ogallala, NE, died Monday, September 24^th at his home in Ogallala.

Mark Slaughter gave 110% in every aspect of his life, as a husband, father, friend, and employee. He taught everyone around him the importance of hard work, the joy of humor, the necessity of perseverance and determination, the power of mental and physical resilience, and the gift of love. He was an extraordinary man who will be missed but never forgotten.

Born in Kearney, July 28, 1947, Mark was the eldest child of Donald and Norma Slaughter. Raised on the family farm east of Kearney, Mark attended a country school through the eighth grade and was actively involved in 4-H.

In 1965, Mark graduated from Kearney High School where he was a first chair baritone in the school band, and competed on both the tennis and wrestling teams. Even as a teenager, Mark showed the toughness, grit and determination that would later define his fight with cancer, winning a gold medal at a state wrestling meet despite having suffered a ribcage injury prior to the competition.

After high school, Mark attended the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1970 with majors in finance and agricultural economics. It was during his college years that Mark met Roberta. Though it was love at first sight for Bert, it took a few years for Mark to decide that she was "the one". They were married in Kearney in 1972.

After college, Mark worked for the Farmers Home Administration. He rose rapidly through the ranks, working at offices in Clay Center, Grand Island, and Fremont. Despite his professional successes at the FHA, Mark chose a different career path after the birth of their first child, Alison. The young family moved back to Kearney where Mark took a position at the Platte Valley State Bank in the agricultural lending department. He was soon promoted to vice president with greatly expanded responsibilities. While in Kearney, Mark was active in a myriad of community and church activities. He was a member of the Buffalo County Crop Growers Association, Pork producers, and Fort Kearney Cattlemen Association. He served as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee for the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gateway Farm Expo. Mark’s two sons, Daniel and Bradley, were both born in Kearney. Despite his busy schedule, Mark always made time to enjoy his growing family.

In 1985, Mark accepted a position with Adams Bank and Trust. He and his family soon learned that the move to Ogallala involved not only a new career, but becoming a part of the Adams Bank "family". Mark cherished the relationships that developed with not only the people with whom he worked, but the people for whom he worked. He thrived on the challenges and relished the opportunity to be part of a growing, dynamic team of professionals. Mark graduated from the Colorado School of Banking in 1990. Most recently Mark served as the Senior Credit Officer for Adams Bank & Trust, overseeing lending in all 16 branches.

Ever the farm boy at heart, Mark relished any opportunity to help with area brandings and the Keith County Fair. He would don his cowboy boots and leather work gloves to work his own herd. Though the rest of the family didn’t share his love of livestock, the children happily helped when possible, just to be able to spend the time with their Dad doing something he loved so much.

Mark was always happiest when he was helping others. He served as the treasurer for the Keith County Leadership Development and Brule Lions Club. He was Chairman of the Brule Business Group, and on the Board of Directors of the Ogallala Chamber of Commerce, elder and Finance Board Chairman of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, treasurer of Boy Scout Troop #258, to name but a few of his community activities.

Those who knew him best will remember Mark as the ultimate "Good Samaritan" volunteer, always ready to offer his expertise, sweat, and muscle to a friend—and everybody was his friend. He was a dichotomy, sporting a professional suit and tie during the week, but often seen in his trademark orange sweatpants and ball cap on the weekends.

Though his life was cut short at 60, Mark accomplished many of his goals. He raised three great kids, got them through college, and saw them all well on their ways to successful careers. He continued advancement in the Adams Bank system, earning distinction and respect among his peers. He celebrated 35 wonderful years of marriage and most importantly, he made a positive difference in the lives of all those who knew him.

In addition to his wife Roberta, Mr. Slaughter is survived by his daughter Alison and husband Ryan Beieler of Denver; sons Dan and Brad of Lincoln; mother and father Don and Norma of Kearney; sister and husband Julie and Tom Larsen of Kearney; brother and wife David and Joy of Blair; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held Thursday, September 27^th at 6:00pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Fellowship Hall in Ogallala. His funeral is scheduled for Friday, September 28^th at 10:30am at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ogallala. A memorial service will be held in Kearney at the First Baptist Church on Saturday, September 29^th at 10:00am with internment following at the Kearney Cemetery. Gubser Funeral Home of Ogallala and the O’Brien – Straatmann – Apfel Funeral Home of Kearney are in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established.

The purpose of life is a life of purpose.