Okfuskee, OK – Obit - Slepka, Anton, 1877-1956

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Submitted by:    Donna Barnes
Email address:   okfuskee@losdos.org
Date submitted:  5/16/1999
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Source:  Okemah News Leader, Thursday, April 25, 1996 (reprinted from Jan. 1, 
1956)


Pioneer Theater Owner, Anton Slepka Dies

     Anton (Pop) Slepka, 78, prominent pioneer Okemah and State resident and 
owner of the city's two movie houses, died at his home at 11:14 a.m. Saturday 
following a recent serious illness of about two weeks. Mr. Slepka suffered a 
heart attack about eitht years ago and hade been seriously ill on a number of 
occasions since that time.

     Serivces will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Christian church with 
Rev. H. A. Bradshaw, pastor, officiating. He will be assisted by Rev. John 
Gingerich.

     Arrangements are being made by Barry Funeral Home

     Mr. Slepka was born on October 28, 1877 in Iowa and came to Oklahoma in the 
run of 1889. He first settled near Hobart where he was married on July 19, 1904. 
The Slepkas lived near Gotebo on a farm and later moved to the Keifer-Mounds 
area.

     It was in July last year that Mr. And Mrs. Slepka observed their golden 
wedding anniversary. In September of the same year, the Okemah theaters 
celebrated their 35th anniversaries in the Slepka family.

     Both theaters were closed on Saturday and will remain closed at least 
through Monday.

     Mr. Slepka purchased the Jewel theater here in 1919 and in 1931 expanded 
with the purchase of the Crystal. He still farmed after the purchase of the 
Jewel but due to the resignation of the manager, he was forced to move to Okemah 
and operate the movie house.

     Mr. Slepka saw the great progress in the movie field from the silent film 
the most modern innovations. His operation here has kept Okemah abreast of the 
latest inventions and gave the city two of the best movie houses for this size 
of town or larger in Oklahoma. In recent years, management of the theaters was 
turned over to his son, Bill Slepka.

     Before his semi-retirement, Mr. Slepka was active in civic and business 
affairs in Okemah. He was well known by all local residents and from many parts 
of Oklahoma. On many occasions when the Christmas basket program for the needy 
was sponsored here, Mr. Slepka contributed generously to the project yet with 
his work to remain anonymous.

     Survivors include his widow of the home, 215 North Second; one son, Bill 
Slepka, South fifth; one daughter, Mrs. Clay Porter, West Broadway. Also four 
grandchildren, Carole Kay, Bob and Bill Slepka and Pat Porter.