Peter Everett Van't Slot

1932 - 2025

Peter Everett Van't Slot

December 27, 1932 - November 12, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas - Peter "Pete" Everett Van't Slot passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, in Fort Worth, Texas at the age of 92. He was a true follower of Christ and lived the life of a humble servant who never forgot his roots.

He was born, along with his twin sister Anna, as the youngest of five children on December 27, 1932, in Sanborn, Iowa to Evert & Helen Boer Van't Slot. Peter grew up in Holland, Michigan, graduating from Holland Christian High School. After serving as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division of the US Army, he attended Calvin College and the University of Michigan, where he became a lifelong Wolverines fan, and graduated in 1957 with a BBA and a later MBA.

In 1959, Peter met Beatrice "Bea" Alphenaar on the steps of the 12th Street Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan and were married shortly thereafter in 1960. Together in Grand Rapids, Defiance, Ohio, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Beaverton, Oregon, as well as in Dallas and Arlington, they raised three children and celebrated 34 years of marriage together.

After time as a college business professor, Peter transitioned into university administration and spent several decades as an executive in university administration with Southern Methodist University, Portland State University and the University of Texas at Arlington. When he wasn't working or taking on woodworking projects, he was traveling with the family exploring Texas and the Southwest in a VW camper.

After Bea's passing in 1994, Peter was blessed to find love again, marrying Melinda Mayo Van't Slot in 1999 and warmly embracing her three children. In retirement his travels continued with Melinda, not only on vacations, but also on church mission trips in Central America. He believed in helping others and demonstrated this through years of volunteer work with Community Crossroads, Habitat for Humanity, and as a Stephen Minister. At First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wort, he was a ruling elder and active on many committees over the years. He loved music and was a member of the church Chancel Choir for over 30 years, as well as a member of the Arlington Choral Society. Outside of the church he served as Chairman of the Board for the Hill School of Fort Worth.

In addition to his first wife Bea, Peter was preceded in death by his brother, Andy Van't Slot, and sisters Tillie Witt, Jeanetta Lyzenga and Anna Kaarnemaat.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda Mayo Van't Slot; sons, Fred Van't Slot and his wife, Cortney, James Van't Slot, and John Van't Slot and his wife; Mary; stepchildren, Allan Brants and his wife, Laurie, Emily Brants Templin and her husband, Mark, and David Brants and his wife, Ana; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service celebrating Peter's life will be held at 10 am Saturday, December 20, in the Sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, 1000 Penn St., Fort Worth, TX 76102.

His family invites all who knew him to honor his memory by continuing his spirit of giving. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Crossroads, in care of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, or Community Healthcare Hospice and Palliative Care of Texas.