Elton Sherman Slater began working for the City of Port Arthur in 1991 as a Maintenance Worker II in the Public Works Engineering Division. He was a humble gentleman with a flair for being witty. Loved by his wife Lori, and loved and adored by his family, Elton will be missed by his coworkers, friends, and his long-time fishing buddies. 

About Elton Slater: 

Elton's athletic life at Lincoln High School and scholastic and athletic accolades at the University of Southern Louisiana, for which he earned a full scholarship, all show what he added to the history of Port Arthur. The Lincoln High Track and Field Team of 1982, in true form, lit the track world on fire, and Elton was at the top of the leaderboard, the team ranking 2nd in regional competition. His sister Bridgette even attests to his love of the long jump, describing his building of a long jump pit on the side of the family home. He was All American 1984 in Men’s Long Jump at USL. Elton did his personal best in the 1984 Olympic Trials and held the long jump record of 26'.1" for several years at USL. His accolades did not stop with track and field; Elton was awarded the Lincoln Football Most Valuable Defensive Player in 1982, because he also excelled in football! He played defensive end at USL, and drafted as a free agent in 1987 by the Miami Dolphins, Elton Slater was selected as the first former Rajin' Cajun to play in the Senior Bowl in 1987.

Elton returned home to his beloved Port Arthur and was hired by the City, but his service to the community extended to mentoring and coaching some of Port Arthur's finest athletes in the skill of the long jump--right back where he began.