Lewis A. Slocum

Lewis A. Slocum was a strong, independent man who focused on others. He loved and cared for his family, dutifully served his country, advanced the wellbeing of co-workers, and sustained long term friendships. Whether enjoying the great outdoors or relaxing at home, Lewis zest for life was evident in the way he lived each day. Lewis was born at home in Muskegon, Michigan to George and Clara (Gregersen) Slocum on December 15, 1920. At that time, the nation was recovering from the First World War and straining to rebuild its economy. By the end of the decade, stock markets fell and countries around the world experienced long years of economic depression. Like others of his generation who survived a financial crisis and a second brutal world war, Lewis was shaped by the values of duty and sacrifice. Depression years were difficult, but Lewis father and mother provided a stable environment with his job at Continental Motors and her constant care at home with five children: George, Donald, Lewis, Robert and Virginia. The family lived on Erickson Street, and Lewis enjoyed all the childhood delights of living near the Muskegon River. The outdoor life of swimming, fishing and, later, hunting and camping remained a passion for Lewis throughout his life. Lewis attended Froebel Elementary School and Muskegon High School, graduating in 1938. With the 1941 entry of the United States into WWII, Lewis enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served as an aircraft mechanic. It was while he was home on leave that he met a lovely young woman by the name of Helena Bogner. She grew up in Carr Settlement, moved to Muskegon and worked at Anaconda Corp, but a long distance relationship grew into love and commitment. Lewis and Helena married on January 15, 1947 and honeymooned in Grand Haven along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. The newlyweds settled into an apartment on Lakeshore Drive in Muskegon, where Lewis sold insurance and Helena worked at home. When they moved to Oak Street in 1952, Lewis had room in his garage and basement to start a business: Imperial Upholstery. Then in 1964, he went to work at Muskegon County Waste Water System, where he became an ardent supporter of the city workers union serving as its president. He later rose to the level of supervisor. When he retired in 1982, Lewis was recognized as a valued employee and trusted leader for 25 years. Lewis and Helena had begun a family in 1952 when Bill was born, followed by Brian in 1959, Sandra in 1962, and Dean in 1964. With their growing family, they needed a larger home. Conveniently, they moved just across the street and a few doors over on Oak Street. The family spent summer vacations at School Section Lake, where they camped and fished. Lewis especially enjoyed trout fishing and deer hunting, so many weekends found him heading north for sport, though he was always on the lookout for Petosky stones and Indian arrowheads. Car trips became somewhat of a favorite pastime with Lewis as he regularly took his family on Wednesday night drives to visit his parents. When their children grew up and moved on, Lewis and Helena bought mobile homes on School Section Lake and in Florida. They moved back and forth seasonally, eventually moving to Pine Grove Manor in their later years. All the while, Lewis stayed involved with the Muskegon D.A.V. and the American Legion, getting together with friends to play cards. Other times, he just liked to stay home and read. In 1991, Helenas health started to decline, and Lewis willingly assumed the role of caregiver. Their love was strong and their marriage vows proved true as Lewis attended to Helena right up to her death on September 28, 2000. Family and friends were supportive of Lewis, as he had been of them. He was especially close with his son Dean, and their time together often landed them at yard sales. Lewis also enjoyed the company of his special friend, Edith VanSlyke, and he continued to meet with his card playing buddies. Only at the beginning of 2009 did Lewis experience difficulties with rapid onset heart and kidney failure. He died on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the age of 88. Lewis will be remembered for his strength of character and his devotion to family and friends. Lewis A. Slocum, of Muskegon, Michigan, is survived by his sons, William Slocum, Brian (Vickie) Slocum, Dean Slocum all of Muskegon; daughter, Sandra (Matt) Pusis of SC; grandchildren, Brent, Keith, Catherine, Jessica; brother, Robert Slocum of Grand Haven; sister, Virginia (Tom) Wall of Grand Haven; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Edith VanSlyke. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helena. A service to celebrate Lewis life will be held Saturday, July 18, 2009, 3:00 PM at the Clock Chapel. Interment at Evergreen Mausoleum. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions made to American Red Cross are greatly appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, archive a photo or sign the guestbook.