Glen Slusher

Glen Slusher

BENTON, Mo. -- Glen W. Slusher, 78, of Benton died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at his home.

He was born Feb. 8, 1930, in Lamar, Ark., to the late Ira F. and Villar Curtis Slusher.

Slusher was a prominent area farmer and businessman. He owned and operated Slusher Farms near Benton and Slusher Farm and Home Center in Sikeston, Mo., more than 35 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. Slusher was past commander of American Legion Post 369 in Benton.

He leaves his beloved wife, Dora Ann McElrath Slusher of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Larry Farrenburg of Sikeston, Donna and Mike Thompson of Benton; a son and daughter-in-law, Glen Alan and Jan Slusher of Benton; a brother, Boyd Slusher of Marston, Mo.; two sisters, Reba Vincent of Malden, Mo., and Janis Temples of Hartsville, Ala.

Also nine grandchildren, Dr. Chad A. Farrenburg of Cordallis, Mont., Elizabeth Nance of Long Beach, Miss., DeAnn Jones of Eureka, Mo., Sara Parks of Benton, Veronica Conley of Valley Park, Mo., Spc. Benjamin F. Vinyard IV of Fort Campbell, Ky., Nikki Armstrong of Wildwood, Mo., Chevy Slusher and Cory Slusher of Benton; two stepgrandchildren, Christina White of Smyrna, Tenn., Jamie Thompson of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; six great-grandchildren; and three great-stepgrandchildren.

A brother, Johnny Slusher, and two sisters, Nadine Brewer and Geneva Warren, preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Neely, pastor of Tanner Street Church of God, officiating. Interment will follow in Elders Cemetery near Malden with full military honors conducted by Missouri Funeral Honors Program.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Chad Farrenburg, Spc. Benjamin Vinyard, Chevy Slusher, Cory Slusher, Shane Jones and Charles Conley.

The family of Glen W. Slusher requests memorials be made to Crown Hospice, 2858 Professional Court, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63703.