Zander Kai Etling Slightom

I was born on April 15, 2005 in Springfield to my mom and dad, Lynne Etling Slightom and Roger Slightom. Quinn (or Q as we call him), my brother and best friend, was there before me waiting for someone to play with. He showed me how to play with all of his cool toys and protected me from all the bad stuff. He was not only my friend but my real life superhero.

I loved attending Riverton Elementary. I had good friends and wonderful teachers at the Montessori Children's House and Wilcox Elementary in Springfield. But when everyone at Riverton Elementary made me feel so welcome, I knew it was going to be a great place. Mom, Dad, and the teachers said I was really smart but they always had to add that I was "just so huggable". I have also heard that everyone remembers my smile. Hopefully, everyone will keep that smile going from one to another for me.

I was an unofficial Cub Scout but they always included me in everything just the same. Dad is even going to race my car in the upcoming Pinewood Derby soon. I will be watching to make sure it wins.

The Springfield Railroad Society, Inc. treated me like an honorary member every time I came in to see what new trains were running or who had built something new on the layout. They even gave me my own electric train to take home. Besides wanting to drive a train, I also wanted to be a zookeeper when I grew up, so I could take care of all the animals I saw on Wild Kratts. That was my favorite television show, but my favorite movies were still Polar Express and Godzilla. I liked to show off my building skills to mom when I would have Godzilla crash through the Lego city and train set.

The family waiting for me were my grandparents; Darrell Slightom, Marilyn Slightom-Wolff, Allen Wolff and Selah, my big sister that I did not get to know until now.

The family that I am looking over now are my mom, Lynne Etling Slightom (companion, Pete Romero); dad, Roger (wife, Erin) Slightom; brother Quinn Slightom; siblings Isaac, Oliver & Amelia Gaddis; Granny Kay Marion Etling of Peoria; Papa Wayne and Grandma Judy Etling of Springfield; Nana Jackie and Steve Boltz of Rochester; Papa Caryl Fothergill of Rantoul; aunts, Jan Miller, Connie (husband, Rick) Fritz, Nicole (husband, Richard) Oglesby and Mary Slightom; uncle, Frank Slightom and all my cousins; Michael Fritz, Jon Fritz, Brian Slightom, Kyle Slightom, Ashley Miller, Aubrey Miller, Gretchen Oglesby, and Meredith Oglesby.

One request of mine is to please wear red on the days of my services. My favorite color is red because of the Lego Ninjago character, who shared my middle name, Kai. I would love to see my favorite color red cover this world while I sit in the arms of Jesus on the days of my ceremonies.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 3:00 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Steven Janoski and Ruth Souther officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park and luncheon afterwards at the Blue Ridge Club on East Lake Drive.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Zander Slightom Memorial Fund, any Illinois National Bank branch; Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield, IL 62712 or the Springfield Railroad Society, Inc., P.O. Box 9484, Springfield, IL 62791.