Obituary of Jerald Doyne Sluder

Jerry Sluder, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 23, 2019. He was born on August 16, 1936 in Farmersburg, Indiana to parents Emil and Audrey Sluder. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sonnie; sisters, Judy (Ray) & Rita (Stan); daughter, Beth Smith (Paul); Sons, Danny (Pam), Ben & Andy. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Megan Johnson (R.J.), Brandon, Mitchell and Markie; three great-grandchildren; Eli, Regan and Carter. He was preceded in death by his son Tim, in 2011. Jerry went to Farmersburg School from 1st grade to 10th before moving to Tucson with his family in 1952 to attend and graduate from Tucson High School. He married the love of his life, Sondra Taylor (Sonnie) in Terre Haute, Indiana on March 30, 1957. They came back to honeymoon in Tucson and lived here ever since. Jerry began working for his father at Sluder's Garage and continued working there until his retirement. Over the years, Sluder's Garage became a well - known business in the Tucson community maintaining a reputation of honest work at a fair price from a family who cared about their customers. That was true for 60 years. Over the years, Jerry enjoyed several family activities including being involved with little league activities, camping, boating and fishing on the lakes in Arizona and the Colorado River and many trips to Rocky Point, San Diego and Prescott. He was a long time member of the Uptown Optimist Club and was President from 1982-1983. He spent numerous hours volunteering his time with this organization. He also loved his sports; He bowled for many years on several different leagues, he was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan but he was most passionate about racing and all kinds of racing spending many days and nights cheering on his favorite drivers on and off the track. He loved watching Indy cars, stock cars, NASCAR (Jeff Gordon), boat racing and sprint cars. He was most proud when he was able to watch his son, Danny, race boats (and win) in the 1980s and more recently to watch his son-in-law, R.J. race (and win) in his Sluder's Garage sponsored Sprint car. Jerry was blessed to have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren that he adored and who loved him so. They all have certain characteristics of him, wonderful memories and even some funny stories that they will cherish forever as they look back and remember "Grand-PA" There will be a gathering for family and friends Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 10:30a.m.to 12:30p.m at ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, DODGE CHAPEL with a remembering of Jerry at 11:30a.m. The family requests donations be made to the Arizona Alzheimer's Association or your favorite charity.