Leonard Sluder

Leonard Sluder passed away Monday, September 7th at his home in Graham.  Leonard Clifton Sluder was born on May 24, 1920 near Flint Creek just outside of Graham.  He was the son of W.E. and Annie Maude Sluder.  Leonard’s childhood years were spent in Graham where he enjoyed baseball, boxing, fishing and skipping school.  Reagan King once stated that he would rather see the devil himself walking down the alley toward his salvage yard than Leonard and Buck Thetford, then with a wink acknowledged that he really looked forward to seeing them each day.

Leonard volunteered to the service of his country during WWII and served in the U. S. Army’s 18th Field Artillery.  He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he was a drill instructor.  On July 18th, 1942 he gave his hand in marriage to Monah Louise Neal in Newcastle, Texas.  He then went on to serve in the European Theater landing in Normandy and served during the Battle of the Bulge.  He was severely wounded in December, 1944 near Auchen, Germany and became a recipient of the Purple Heart.  Leonard was also one of the liberators of the Nazi concentration Camp Buchenwald.  He received several battle awards and gained his 1st Sergeant stripes, then came home to his beloved bride.  Monah noted that his eyes never had the same glimmer after returning home as they had prior to going overseas.

Leonard worked for Orr Motor Company after returning home, but the bulk of his adult life was spent at Karper and Glass Oil Company (later the Karper Company).  He and Monah welcomed two sons (Craig and Neal) into the family during the 1960’s and they became very active in their children’s activities over the next several years.  Many will remember his coaching and umpiring Little League baseball for over 30 years.  When not involved with his children, he was a very (to say the least) avid bird hunter and fisherman.  Between him, Sam Dooley, Dr. McDaniel and Dick Lindsay it is no wonder the quail population has dwindled.

Leonard was predeceased by his loving wife Monah, son Craig, his parents, his brothers A.A. and Eddie, and sisters Mildred, Lillian and Allie.

He is survived by his loving son Neal and wife Valerie of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, brother Eddis and  his wife Esther of Joshua, Texas and numerous nephews and nieces, great and great-great nephews and nieces and his very special friends Jack Little, Randy Canton, Sam Dooley and David Rogers.  Thank you for taking such good care of him.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Horizon Bay, Graham Regional Home Health, and Dr. Pete Brown’s office.  Special thanks go to his nephew Michael Neal and his wife Linda. 

No services are planned.  Any memorial gifts to the Methodist’s Children’s Home or a charity of choice will be greatly appreciated.

We say farewell to the best father a man could ever ask for and a true American hero.