Larry William Slonaker

Larry William Slonaker, 69, of Newton, and formerly of Birmingham, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, at the Comfort House in Pella. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with Chaplin Bob Beghtol officiating. A time to share stories with the family and celebrate Larry’s life will be immediately following the service at the funeral home and last until 5 p.m. Memorial contributions in Larry’s honor may be directed to Newton Village and be mailed to 110 N. Fifth Ave. W., Newton, IA 50208. Friends may sign the online guestbook at cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Larry William Slonaker was born Aug. 6, 1950, in Fairfield, to William Percy and Vera Massey Slonaker. He grew up in Van Buren County where he began his love for Southeast Iowa and the town of Birmingham. His early years were spent working alongside his father at the Slonaker’s Phillips 66 in Birmingham where he learned the value of hard work. On a trip to Kentucky, Larry met Connie and the two later married. Together they were the proud parents of three children, Fredrick, Angela and Christine. Larry had a passion for cars and was a skilled mechanic. He opened Slonaker’s Repair Service and worked there for many years before starting as an engine analyst (mechanical specialist) for the Trans Canada Pipeline. He loved his job and worked there for 22 years until his retirement in 2016. When Larry would step away from work, he looked forward to getting on his motorcycle and going for a ride. He was a member of A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa and enjoyed making the trip to Sturgis, as well as the trips that didn’t have a set destination. Larry loved attending car shows, as well as the Old Threshers Reunion and the Iowa State Fair. He served on the Birmingham Volunteer Fire Department and was always willing to help someone in need. Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends he made along the way.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Fredrick Slonaker (1996); and one brother, Frederick Slonaker.

Left to share his story are his wife, Connie Slonaker; two daughters, Angela (Larry) Adam of Pella and Christine (Chad) Gebhart of Newton; seven grandchildren, Kalyn Faith, Alisha Nichole, Cale Chase, Kipton Chance, Cutler Case, Crew William and Tinley Rose, as well as one on the way; one brother, Terry (Loretta) Slonaker; two sisters, Janet (Denny) Hampton and Linda Bradley; as well as many extended family and friends.