Edwin Earl (Sonny) Slanker

Edwin Earl (also known as Ed or Sonny) Slanker was born December 28, 1928 some 6 weeks premature in Peoria, Oklahoma inside his grandparents’ home. He was given little hope to live. It is said that he was placed inside a shoebox and kept warmly next to a wood stove. His parents were Chester and Verla Slanker. He died October 31, 2018 at the age of 89 years and 10 months. Ed was raised and lived a full life in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, dad grandpa and great grandpa. He had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of ten and had a relationship with God. He mentioned God had saved his life many times over. He was a kind and gentle man. Ed is survived by his daughter Judy Sydebotham and husband Tim of Ochelata, his two sons: David Slanker of Bartlesville and Daniel Slanker and wife Dawn Ann of California. His eight grandchildren: Dawn Baxstrom and husband Ashley, DR. T.C. Sydebotham and wife Dr. Rikki, Natalie Farmer and husband Dexter, Tyler Sydebotham and wife Megan, Casey and Chad Slanker, and Will and Xander Slanker. His two great-grandchildren: Jagger Baxstrom and Timber Sydebotham. His two brothers: Dr. Dan Slanker and William (Bill) Slanker and one sister Barbara Magana. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Ruth Sue, his parents, and two siblings that did not reach full term births Services will be held Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. in the chapel at Stumpff Funeral Home with Pastor Sherman Jaquess officiating. Interment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Immediately following the interment will be a dinner at Matoaka Baptist Church for friends and family. Ed completed his formal school years in the Bartlesville School System graduating from College High School. He was an honest student, had lots of good buddies, and always did his best. He was quick to share his boyhood stories that often had a moral or teaching moment in it. After graduation he attended Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater, Oklahoma before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served in the infantry. His time spent in the Army and Reserves was nearly six years. He rarely talked of his war-time experiences until his later years in life. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Ed returned to Oklahoma A&M College to finish his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed as an engineer with Phillips Petroleum Company for many years until his retirement. He worked on numerous engineering projects across the United States as well as in Europe. He served as a supervisor on the Ekofisk Pipeline Project in Germany (North Sea). He was a dedicated and loyal worker for Phillips. He rarely took a sick day. His many travels with Phillips allowed his family the opportunity to travel the globe as well. Mr. Slanker was long-time member of the Frank Phillips Men’s Club, the Engineering Club, and served as a board member for years for his local rural water district. He was married to Ruth Sue (Summers) Slanker for 58 years and together they had three children: Judy, David and Daniel Slanker. He was a responsible and active member of his community. He volunteered his time and efforts for many things such as the Kiddy Park. He took great pride in his hometown of Bartlesville as well as his country. In addition to traveling, Ed enjoyed collecting and working on classic automobiles, going to Injun ball games, petting the dogs, cats and horses, reading various magazines and books, sipping iced tea on the front porch, and most of all, he valued time spent with his family. Family was of great importance to him. He had a mild and generous spirit and a keen sense of humor. Ed will be missed by all that loved him but will forever be remembered fondly for the fine man he was. A job well-done!

Edwin Earl (Sonny) Slanker

December 28, 1928 - October 31, 2018