Kenneth Arthur Slocum

March 16, 1929, Aberdeen, South Dakota ~

April 27th, 2011, Longview, Washington

Kenneth A. Slocum

Kenneth Arthur Slocum of Warren passed away April 27, 2011, under the compassionate care of Community Home, Health and Hospice in Longview, Wash.

Mr. Slocum was born March 16, 1929, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Arthur and Tilda (Lev) Slocum.

When he was 7 years old, his family came out west and settled in the Bonny Slope area of Portland. The rest of his life was spent in the Washington County area and surrounding areas of Portland. He lived in Newberg for a period and also had a farm in the Scappoose area in the 70s.

Educated at Beaverton High School, he left school before graduation in order to serve in the U.S. Army. From 1946 to 1948 he served as an MP in occupied Japan, and had many stories to tell about his experience while serving.

In 1957 he married Donna Day. Kathleen was born on July 22, 1958, and Terese “Terri” was born May 23, 1960. The couple divorced in 1980.

The trucking industry was his lifelong occupation. A long haul trucker, he loved driving truck. Well known for being excellent at his chosen profession, he pursued his passion for the open road well into his 70s.

Not someone who liked to sit still, he enjoyed tending to his garden and just working outside.

In the 50s, 60s and 70s, he looked forward to the annual family vacation where they would get together and hunt elk.

Proudly he received an honorary diploma as part of the Beaverton High School graduation ceremony in 2002. Enjoying class and school reunions, he attended several over the years. He truly cared for the people that he went to school with and he made an effort to keep in touch with his schoolmates and friends.

Antique and classic cars were another interest. He owned several over the years and had great stories to go with each one.

Additionally, he was a member of the Elks and American Legion.

Remembered for putting his family first, he treasured the time he spent with his family and especially the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Predeceased by his sister, Georgia Ouzts in 2006, he traveled to South Carolina to be by her side and comfort her as she battled cancer.

Also predeceased by his son-in-law, Gerald D. Stierwalt, he passed away in January of 2008. Shortly before he was no longer able to drive, he and his son-in-law drove tandem long haul truck together to California. They enjoyed working together, and he was like a son; more than a son-in-law.

He is survived by his daughters, Terri Stierwalt of Warren, and Kathleen Slocum of Tillamook; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sisters, Dorothy Burmester of Portland, and Elaine Stocking of New York.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home in Portland.

He will be privately laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Community Home, Health and Hospice in Longview.