John Eugene Slape, 75, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on February 13, 2026, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. John was born on August 16, 1950, in Fayetteville, to Raymond Leonard Slape and Muriel Janell (Browning) Slape.
He graduated from Fayetteville High School. John was an Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He married Debbie Cowan on December 4, 1989, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a self-employed truck driver for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Muriel Slape; stepson, Stephen Kaufmann, and step granddaughter, Lolo Kaufmann.
John is survived by his wife, Debbie Slape; daughter, Jessica Lee and husband Chris of Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren, Ashyln, Garrett, Jagger and River Lee; stepson, Bryan Eliason and wife Teresa of Springfield, Missouri; brother, Mickey Slape and wife Shelley of Fayetteville; sisters, Kay Meyer and husband Dr. Michael Meyer of West Fork, Arkansas, Sandra Jean Crane and husband Dick of Payson, Arizona, and Clara Blackwell and husband Walter of Decatur, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Fayetteville National Cemetery. To leave a tribute, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Cremation arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.