John Ray Slusher Sr.
September 18, 1935 - November 21, 2023
HAMLET – John Ray Slusher Sr. went to meet his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023 in Northwest Health, Laporte Hospital while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Sept. 18, 1935 in Salyersville, KY to the late Ed Slusher and Verna (Penix) Brown, and was 88 years-old at the time of his death.
He lived in Hamlet since 1966 coming from Cadiz, IN. On June 7, 1956 in Muncie, he married the absolute love of his life Barbara Foltz. They spent 67 wonderful years together all while faithfully serving his Lord and community. John graduated from Ball State University where he earned two Masters Degrees in Education and School Administration. He used his degrees to mold and influence countless children in his years in education, which he retired from Oregon-davis School Corporation where he served as Teacher, Coach, Principal, and Superintendent. John was a devout member of the Hamlet United Methodist Church, and Member of the Hamlet Lions’ Club. He was also a past member of the US Navy Reserve and the Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department where he served 44 years, the Hamlet American Legion, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge in Crescent City, FL.
John is survived by his beloved wife Barb of Hamlet; three daughters Pamela Van Ness (Rob Cunningham) of Leesburg, Denise (Tony) Dowd of Knox, and Roberta Salyer of Grovertown; one son John (Erin) Slusher Jr. of Huntersville, NC; one son-in-law Ed (Leigh) Mosser of Valparaiso; nine grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; two sisters Lillie King of Muncie and Linda Shoemaker of Selma, IN; and one brother Ernie Slusher of Indianapolis. He is preceded in death by his parents and one daughter Paula Mosser.
Visiting hours will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. CST on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 at the Hamlet United Methodist Church (200 S. Main ST., Hamlet, IN). There will be a special Lions Club Service at 3 p.m. CST and a Fire Fighter Service at 7 p.m. CST on Friday at the church. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. CST Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 with additional viewing an hour before the funeral also at the Hamlet United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Fletcher Cemetery, Hamlet.