Dean A. Slonaker, 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home, Plymouth.
Born on September 14, 1938, in Fulton, Indiana, he was the son of Virgil L. and Erma R. (Heiser) Slonaker. He attended West High School, graduating with the class of 1956. Dean proudly served his country in the United States Army with the Signal Corps from 1956-1958 as well as the Marine Corps Reserve and the Indiana Army National Guard with the 293rd as an infantryman before being honorably discharged as a Specialist 4th Class.
After the service he would continue as a lifetime farmer. Joining by his side would was his high school sweetheart Lillian Morlock. The couple would exchange their vows on April 30, 1959. Lillian preceded him in death on April 29, 2017. Dean also worked for Hawthorne Melody in his earlier years as well as Hawaiian Punch. During his retirement years, Dean worked for Ben Tire as a Truck driver for 12 years before officially retiring.
Dean was known for his quick-witted great sense of humor. A tremendous storyteller, that could sit and tell stories about the history of Plymouth. He was great with his hands, especially when it came to wood carving and carpentry. He enjoyed watching, reading Westerns and had a tremendous fascination of John Deere Tractors, most admired was his Model-60 which made it in a few parades.
He is survived by his children: Allen L. (Kathleen) Slonaker of Plymouth, Ronald D. (Cindy) Slonaker of Plymouth, and Ruth E. (Lowell) Hatfield of Argos; 6 grandchildren: Megan (Nate) Steininger of Argos, Matthew (Karalei) Hatfield of Argos, Jason (Jill) Slonaker of Plymouth, Brieanna Slonaker of Plymouth, Jessica (Derik) Fishburn of Rochester and Ryan (Erica) Wilson of Big Sky, MT; great-grandchildren: Asher Slonaker and Charlotte Wilson, Cameron Duff, Gage and Kade Fishburn, Adyson, Kayleigh, Parker, Brooklynn, Rhett Steininger, Harper, Hadlei and Hudson Hatfield; sister Sue Adair; nephew Brett Adair.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 4-7 pm at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00 am with Pastor Lyle Breeding officiating.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard as well as the Plymouth Am. Legion Post #27.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana 2545 Farmers Drive Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43235. Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
