Ralph Mathers Sloman, 90, of Taylorville, died Monday, May 27, 2019, at his home.
Visitation will be held Saturday, June 1, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Taylorville. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Steve Robinson officiating. Internment with full military honors will be held at Morrisonville Cemetery. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville assisted the family.
Mr. Sloman was born March 22, 1929, in Springfield, the son of George and Jennie (Mathers) Sloman. He married Eva Elizabeth "Beth" Monroe on July 9, 1954, and she preceded him in death in 2011.
After graduating from Morrisonville Community High School, he attended Shurtluff College in Alton. He then transferred to the University of Illinois, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.
He enjoyed life as a farmer, retiring after 39 years from the fields of Christian County. In 1985, he received the prestigious Prairie Farmer "Master Farmer Award.
For more than 50 years, he was a member of Zenobia Baptist Church, and later continued to serve the Lord at Bethel Baptist Church. He was a King Township trustee. He served on the boards of Morrisonville School District, Morrisonville-Palmer Fire District, Lake Springfield Baptist Camp, as well as over 40 years of service to the University of Illinois Extension Council. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
He loved being a part of his community, where he enjoyed mentoring. He was faithful in his visitation of shut-ins.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews, Maude (Duane) Higgins of Matthews, NC, John (Rita) Sloman of Rockfield, KY, Rachel (Perry) Broughton of Pawnee, Vicki (Joe) McMillian of Galloway Township, NJ, Carol (Dave) Fontenot of Sulphur, LA, and Ray Pryne of Iowa Park, TX; one sister-in-law, Paula Pryne of Galloway Township, NJ; and one very special "adopted daughter," Patty Taglioli of Taylorville, who cared for him like he was her father.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Dawn Ilene Sloman, who tragically died in 1982 in an automobile accident; and brother and sister-in-law, Wheeler and Catherine Sloman.
Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 1919 N. 1000 East Road, Taylorville, IL 62568.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
