Robert Sloan

Robert "Bob" Sloan, 83, of Apache Junction, Ariz., formerly of Matherville, died Jan. 7, 2009, his home. Memorial services are 1 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Dennison Funeral Home, Viola. Burial is at Farlow Grove Cemetery, Matherville, with military rites conducted by Mercer County V.F.W. Post 1571. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley. He was born July 17, 1925, in Mammoth Springs, Ark., son of Clinton and Elsie Moore Sloan. He married Mary Doud in 1947, in Aledo. She preceded him in death in 1964. He married Frances Schnowske Palmer April 23, 1965, in Galesburg. Bob worked as a tractor repairman for Farmall (International Harvestor), Rock Island for 31 years, retiring in 1974. After retirement, he bought a small farm in Iowa where he raised everything from chickens, cattle, hogs, sheep, etc. He farmed until 1985, then began wintering in Arizona. He served in the Navy during World War II. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and gardening. Surviving are his wife, Frances Sloan, Apache Junction, Ariz.; four daughters (spouses), Lynn Johnson, Rock Island, Brenda (Robert) Graham, Eagle, Wis., Diana (Jack) Tindall, Saginaw, Mich., Dena (David) Palmer, Mesa, Ariz.; two sons, Mark (Shari) Sloan, Milan, and Danny Palmer, Dallas, Texas; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Jack (JoAnn) Sloan, Matherville. He wa preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; brothers, Sam (Alma) Sloan, and Hollis Sloan; and sister Vivian.