Clarence D. Barlet

Clarence D. (Slats) Barlet, Armstrong Exec

Clarence D. (Slats) Barlet, 97, entered into rest on September 10, 2026, at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA. Born on April 22, 1929, Lebanon, PA, he was the son of the late Clarence A. and Anna Lingle Barlet. He is survived by his second wife, Evelyn (Dolly) Patrick Kreider Darkes Barlet. Also surviving are his three children, Daelene C. Groff (James) of Monte Sereno, CA and twin sons, Jerry D. Barlet (Brenda) of Elizabethtown, PA and Terry A. Barlet (Elizabeth) of Palmyra, PA. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one step-great-grandson, and 3 nephews and 2 nieces. Additionally he is survived by step children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren via his second wife. He was predeceased by his first wife of 57 years, Jean R. Kreider Barlet and a brother, Ernest (Muzz) Barlet. Formerly of Palmyra, PA, Clarence was a member of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren, Palmyra, PA, where he served on various committees and as a Sunday School teacher for numerous years. Whenever there was an all-church activity, Slats, along with his brother-in-law, Bill Hazel, served as the Masters-of-Ceremony to the delight of all who attended.

Also known as “Junior,” Clarence grew up in Lebanon, PA and was graduated from Lebanon High School, class of 1947. As a 3-sport varsity letter winner, Clarence excelled at Football, Basketball, and especially Baseball. His yearbook nick-named him “Casey at the Bat” for his performance at first base, his excellent batting average, and his penchant for hitting home runs culminating in a Grand Slam homer to win a crucial game of that season taking the Lebanon Cedars into the playoffs. While a football knee injury sidelined his hopes of a professional baseball career, he continued to play baseball for various corporate teams and semi-pro baseball for Cornwall, Palmyra, and the Penn-Del league. It was playing baseball that one of his coaches decided that Clarence was not the best name for his player. Given the choice between two nick-names, Slats or Sticks, he chose Slats, which is what he was known by for the rest of his life.

Slats continued his education at the Pennsylvania State University graduating with a Chemical Engineering degree in 1951. While at Penn State, he was a member of the AXE (Alpha Chi Sigma) Fraternity, a professional chemistry fraternity, Penn State Nu Chapter, and also participated in ROTC.

General Electric sent Slats to work in their laboratories in Maine, New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia as a research scientist in the chemical metallurgical program where he worked on highly classified rocket fuel projects. While mixing highly reactive chemicals, it was a lab explosion that burned his forehead resulting in a prematurely recessed hairline.

Joining the Ceiling and Flooring division of the Armstrong Cork Company (Armstrong World Industries), Lancaster, PA, Slats worked for research and development, corporate purchasing, and the marketing departments. He was research and development General Manager of the Ceiling and Flooring division when he retired in 1989 after 34 years.

Slats holds three patents: one for arc shoots that dissipate electrical charges; a second for a bonding agent for railroad tracks; and a third for the bonding agent that holds rear view mirrors to car windshields.

As an avid sports enthusiast, Slats supported his teams often “talking” to the coaches and refs through the television: the Eagles, Phillies, and maintaining Penn State season tickets for many years. Golf became his passion later in life, playing with a 4 handicap. He also enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren as they participated in sports growing up.

In honor of Slats’ wishes, there will be no formal services. Private burial at Grandview Memorial Park, Annville, PA will be at the family’s discretion. Share condolences at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com