Obituary of Gary Lee Slocum

SLOCUM, Gary Lee passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tucson, AZ on Thursday evening, October 20, 2016, at age 82. Gary was born in Battle Creek, MI, on June 11, 1934 to Lawrence and Cecile Slocum (deceased). He graduated from Hastings HS in June 1953. He entered the US Army. After his service, Gary returned to Hastings, MI and began work as a sheet metal man for the EW Bliss company. He married Marlene Kinney and they had two children: Mark L. Slocum and Michele M. Slocum. Gary began taking classes at Kellogg CC (AA); Michigan State (BA) and Western Michigan (MA). While working on his degrees, he was a primary teacher in Hastings and Marshall, MI. Gary and his family moved to Sierra Vista, AZ in 1977, where he was a teacher at Carmichael School. Gary was then assigned Principalship at Johnston School on the Ft. Huachuca Army Base. He served in the position for 11 years. In June 1985, Gary met Kay A. Huber, a TUSD teacher and counselor. Gary and Kay were married on November 18, 1988 and Gary began teaching in TUSD. They share four adult children, two sons, Mark (Elizabeth) Slocum and Peter Huber plus two daughters, Michele Slocum and Sharon (Tom) Ingram. Gary loved spending time with his children and special grandchildren, Katie (Jordon) Johnson, Zachary and Andrew Slocum; Brian (Maria) Scaggs, Keith (Jessica) Scaggs, Scott Scaggs and Skye Slocum; Caitlin, David, Daniel, and Clare Ingram. Great-grandchildren: Lily and Zander Scaggs; Emma and Adam Scaggs; and Ryan Johnson. Gary was involved with activities at Christ UM church and St. Paul's UM church since 1985. He also served as a board member with two Mt. Lemmon organizations (HOA and the Water District). He was also active with his SW Woodcarvers Club. He could turn any piece of Cotton wood bark into a treasure. He also made lovely stained glass creations. Gary trained for and ran in a San Diego Marathon and enjoyed biking as well. He was curious and liked learning new things about places and people. Gary was always ready with a hug and helping hand, and was a kind, funny and generous man. He will forever be missed by family and his many friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, November 18, 2016 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Tucson. In his memory, in lieu of flowers, a contribution might be made to the Community Food Bank, to St. Paul's U.M. Church, or to a charity of your choice . Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME. Dodge Chapel.