Bob Slater was born in St. Joseph on September 21, 1932. Throughout his life, Bob has combined a successful professional career with a deep commitment to serving his community.
Bob worked at the St. Joseph News-Press for 23 years, serving as managing editor for the final five years, when the newspaper had a circulation of approximately 52,000. After participating in a five-way congressional primary election in 1978, he joined St. Joseph Light and Power, where he worked for 17 years before retiring.
As a journalist, Bob had the opportunity to meet and interview many prominent figures, including one-on-one conversations with President Harry Truman and St. Joseph native and broadcasting legend Walter Cronkite. Among his favorite subjects to cover were sports and politics.
Bob’s dedication to community service was especially evident in 1977, when he chaired a bond issue campaign to build a new Civic Arena and purchase and renovate the historic Missouri Theater. At the time, city officials were considering demolishing the theater, which some viewed as a “white elephant” and a drain on city finances. Despite requiring a tax increase, both measures passed with nearly 90 percent voter approval. Bob also provided leadership for a record-setting United Way campaign and a successful Missouri Western bond issue.
Over the years, Bob served as chairman of the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Buchanan County Tourism Commission, St. Francis Xavier Council, and Ancient Order of Hibernians. His other board responsibilities included Heartland Hospital, now Mosaic Life Care; Boys Baseball; and the jail oversight committee. Now in his 90s, Bob continues to serve his community as a board member of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, the Hall of Fame Committee, and the Black Archives Museum. In 2019, he was inducted into the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame.
Bob has written two books: a 1983 centennial history of St. Joseph Light and Power and My Town, My Time, a collection blending St. Joseph history with Bob’s memories of growing up in the city during an earlier era.
Bob and his late wife of 66 years, Charlene, are the parents of five children and have been blessed with 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. He is a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and a graduate of St. Francis Grade School, Christian Brothers High School, and St. Benedict’s College, now Benedictine College. Following graduation, he served for two years in U.S. Army counterintelligence.
Bob Slater’s life reflects a remarkable combination of journalism, civic leadership, public service, and devotion to the St. Joseph community he has called home for more than nine decades.
