SLOAN, WILLIAM, JR.

Mr. William Sloan Jr., 84, of Eolia, MO, passed away at 9:35 p.m. on Friday, February 29, 2008 at Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab in Troy, MO. He was born on Dec. 1, 1923 in Crocker, MO to William and Maude (Nigh) Sloan Sr. William grew up in Crocker along with his brother, Robert J. Sloan. At the age of 19 he was called to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He served from Sept. 1942 until Jan. 1946 and was a Corporal for the mortar squad. He participated in action in Guadalcanal, Guam, and Okinawa. He received a Purple Heart. Following his first hitch in service, he married Ruby Towns on March 5, 1946 in St. Charles, MO. They were blessed with three daughters: Barbara, Janet and Wendy. He worked as a mechanic until he once again entered the military. This time he served in the Korean War as a Corporal from Feb. 12, 1950 until June 15, 1951. Once again, he was a mortar specialist squad leader in South and Central Korea. He was also qualified as an aircraft engine mechanic. William received a Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal and Purple Heart. Mr. Sloan served as 1st Commander of VFW Post No. 4539 in Eolia and had been a member of Operating Engineers Local 513 for 30+ years. He had been an avid fisherman and loved to go fishing with his special friend, Jack Van Dyke. William had been a loving husband and father who cared deeply about his family.

Surviving are his loving daughter, Wendy Sloan of Eolia; and his grandson James Morgan; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruby; and a daughter; Janet Morgan and brother; Robert Sloan. William will be sadly missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved him.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Home in Troy, MO. Officiating was Rev. Milton Schaper. Interment followed at National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, MO with full military honors. Visitation was Thursday, March 6, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Home in Troy, MO 63379.

Memorials may be made to All Paws Rescue, c/o the funeral home.