It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur John Slocum of Franklin on August 21, 2024 at Sugarcreek Care Center.
John was born on February 9, 1932 in Franklin to the late Lucian Lee and Myrna Baker Slocum.
He was the fifth of seven children.
John was the last surviving member of his family.
He attended elementary school in Rocky Grove and high school in Franklin.
In 1950, he joined the Army National Guard and was drafted into the Army.
During the Korean War he served in Germany for two years.
On December 10, 1954, he married his childhood sweetheart, Lorraine Sloss, who is still alive, in the old church in Galloway.
Last December they celebrated 69 wonderful years together.
After working for 38.5 years as a mechanic at the former Joy Manufacturing Company, John retired in 1993.
After his retirement, he volunteered 8 hours a day, 5 days a week building the addition to Galloway Church, where he was an active member.
John enjoyed traveling and went on many camping trips with his family.
He took part in a mission trip to Cuba.
He also rode his bike with the ROMEO group.
John could most often be found in his garage, working on something.
He was known for restoring and selling old Ford tractors as he was a Ford man through and through.
John also enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets.
John was the type of man who never turned away anyone who needed help or a repair.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
John valued his family and enjoyed participating in activities involving his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his beloved wife Lorraine, he leaves behind his children, Steve (Carrie) Slocum of Cooperstown, and Debra (Jeffery) Mihleder and Ronald (Martha) Slocum, both of Franklin.
He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Christy Lambert, Jonathan Slocum, Ashleigh Phillips, Adam Armburger, Stephanie Gordon, Chad Mihleder, Chelsea Wolbert, Breanne Blakeslee, Joshua Slocum and Lacey Lowman.
Also left to cherish John’s memory are 25 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild due in February, his sister-in-law Mary Slocum, many beloved nieces and nephews, and his special friends Don and Pat Young of Reno and Doris Smith of Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Edith Slocum, and his siblings William (Dorothy) Slocum, Bessie Slocum, Helen (Jake) Hines, Richard Slocum, Twila (Richard) Lowry, and Kathryn (Perry) Miller.
John was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Jamison, and a young grandson, Michael Slocum.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park Street Franklin, where family and friends are welcome from 4 to 7 p.m. today.
Additional viewing opportunities will be available Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Galloway Church of Franklin, 196 Seysler Road, Franklin.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church, with Pastor Roy Gearhart officiating.
At the end of the funeral ceremony, the VETS Honor Guard renders military honors.
John will be buried at Franklin Cemetery following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Galloway Church, 196 Seysler Road, Franklin Pa. 16323 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
The family would like to thank everyone who has cared for John over the last two and a half years, especially Mark at Caring Place and Vicki, Tiffany, Justine and Shelby at Sugarcreek Care Center.
Many thanks also to his roommate Wayne Rice for his care and compassion.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.HuffGuthrie.com.
