Harold Wayne Slinkard

Harold Wayne “Tobe” Slinkard, 85, a resident of Hogeye, Arkansas, passed away at home on March 18, 2015. He was surrounded by his loving family. Tobe was born October 26, 1929 in Trumann, Arkansas to Hiram Sylvanis and Esther Metcalf Slinkard.

Tobe was a United States Marine who served during the Korean War. He earned the United Nations Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Korean Service Medal. Tobe was also the recipient of two Purple Heart medals. He was part of the Frozen Chosin, a group of 8,000 marines from the 1st Marine Division that fought during one of the coldest winters on record in North Korea, surrounded by more than a hundred thousand Chinese troops. He achieved the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged from service.

Tobe had a lifelong love of horses and wagons. This passion for horses led him to lead the 1986 Arkansas Sesquicentennial Wagon Train as the Wagon Master. He travelled on horseback for over 1,700 miles with the wagon train. Tobe was recognized as an Arkansas Traveler by then Governor Bill Clinton for his significant contribution to Arkansas’ Sesquicentennial Celebration.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Bootsie Murphy.

Tobe is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Wilma Jean Flanagan Slinkard, of the home; four sisters, Jenny Evans of Trumann, Arkansas, Jerri Qualls and husband Dwayne of Rockford, Illinois, Judy Dunman of Lake City, Arkansas, and Nancy England and husband Donnie of Trumann, Arkansas; two brothers, Bob Slinkard and wife Shirley of Trumann, Arkansas and Howard Slinkard and wife Karen of Rogers, Arkansas; four children, Susie Slinkard Lentz of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, Jeff Slinkard and wife Ava of Lincoln, Arkansas, Cliff Slinkard and wife Niki of Hogeye, Arkansas, and Toby Slinkard and wife Susan, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Summer Reichenmacher, Zack Lentz, Kyle Slinkard, Casey Slinkard, Nicolas Slinkard, Savannah Slinkard, and Sophia Slinkard; five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Washington Regional Hospice, Post Office Box 356, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702.