Obituary of D. Robert Slocum

D. Robert Slocum, 94, of the Sunshine Christian Home in Holiday, Fla., formerly of 2005 Shadyside Road, Lakewood, died Monday, January 5, 2015 at the Medical Center of Trinity in New Port Richie, Fla. He was born July 11, 1920 in Ripley, NY, a son of the late Donald R. and Margaret Pike Slocum. A 1938 graduate of Ripley High School, he served in the U.S. Armored Force from 1942 to 1946. He was employed in the Claims Department of Jamestown Mutual Insurance Co. and Unigard Insurance from 1946 until his retirement in 1982 as Claims Supervisor. Bob was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church since 1951, serving as Sunday school teacher, member of the Official Board, member of the Building Committee, chairman of the Furnishing Committee and as a Lay Leader. As a Mason, Bob joined the Summit Lodge 219 F&AM in Westfield, NY in 1947. He served as Master in 1954, Assistant Grand Lecturer in 1956 and as Chautauqua District Deputy Grand Master from 1960 to 1961. Bob and his late wife, Laura always enjoyed getting together with family and friends. He took many photos on their trips across the United States. Bob loved volunteering at Emeritus of Lakewood and the Sunshine Christian Home of Holiday, Fla. by making flower arrangements for all of the tables in the dining room. Surviving are two sons: Paul (Anita) Slocum of Owego, NY and David Slocum of Lancaster, SC; five grandchildren: Keith Slocum of Owego, Benjamin (Elayna) Slocum of Raleigh, NC, Debby (Steve) Dazzo of Clinton, NJ, Andrew (Lingwen) Slocum of Tysons Corners, VA and Tiffany (Robert) Ransom of Augusta, GA; six great-grandchildren: Joshua and Elijah Slocum, Riley Dazzo, and Molly, Benjamin and Emmett Ransom; three sisters: Bea Hultman of Rochester, NY, Jane VanBrogen of Rogers, AR and Mary Beckle of Cheyenne, WY; as well as several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, the former Laura Dibble of Westfield, NY, whom he married August 16, 1943 in Columbus, GA and who died April 28, 1997 after 53 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Betty Sherman and Margaret Marrs. The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Violet Davidson will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service, from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. A Masonic Lodge Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday immediately prior to full funeral service. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sunshine Christian Home and Emeritus of Lakewood for their loving care of Bob.