Paul E. Slifer

Paul E. (Sonny) Slifer, 81, of Evansville Indiana passed away February 28, 2021 at his home.  He was born in Evansville Indiana on January 16, 1940 to Paul and Senora (Robinson) Slifer.

 He graduated from Reitz High School in 1958 and served 7 years in the Army Reserve and Indiana National Guard.

Sonny was a Teamster truck driver for Refiners Transport and Indiana Farm Bureau Co-Op. He spent many years in the car business working in sales, serving as body shop manager, service manager and retiring in April 2000 as Customer Relations Manager from Keck Ford Mercury, Mt Vernon In.

 Sonny loved boating.  As a young man he learned to water ski on the Wabash River and owned a boat for over 50 years. His last boat was his pride and joy, the “Sunshiner”.  He also loved riding motorcycles with friends.  Probably the best trip taken was 5400 miles to Glacier National Park. You could also find him playing golf. He wasn’t an outstanding golfer but he sure had fun.  Sonny had a love of cars and over the years owned many.  One of his favorite pastimes was washing and waxing a car, relaxing in his garage with a “cold one”.

Sonny petitioned Reed Masonic Lodge #316 and became a Master Mason March 14, 1964.  He received his 50-year Award of Gold May 20, 2014.  He later joined Scottish Rite Valley of Evansville and earned his title as a 32-degree Mason. While maintaining membership in the Scottish Rite, Sonny served many years on the stage crew.  Sonny joined Hadi Shrine in 1967.  In 1982 Sonny became a charter member of the Hadi Mariners Club and served as Commodore in 1986. He is a past president of the Hadi Bowling League.  Sonny also served as Director in 1999 and served in various positions on the Hadi Divan.  Sonny proudly worked the Shrine Circus for over 40 years first selling glow lights, serving on the Executive Circus Committee and managing the Circus Production Office. Sonny was proud to be the Fall Ceremonial Class Honoree November 1, 2014. Sonny held honorary membership in the White Horse Patrol and Hadi Drum and Bugle Corp.  He currently held membership in the Hadi Motor Corp and Hadi Hospital Staff.   Sonny was also a member of Rizpah Shrine Madisonville, Ky. 

Sonny was prior member of York Rite, the Royal Order of Jesters Court 102, and No-Ruz Grotto. Sonny held other affiliations as a member of American Legion Kapperman Post #44, Order of the Owls Nest #30, 30-year member of FOPA, Henderson Elks Lodge and Lifetime Member of the Riverbend Association.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; niece Rebecca Williams and sister Gayle Slifer Williams and her husband Donald R Williams.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Janice (Reynold) Slifer; son Matthew Paul Slifer (Cherish) and grandchildren Ian (Anessa) Roeder, Chase Roeder, and Ashton Roeder; great grandchild, Freyja Roeder all of Newburgh Indiana. Also surviving are sisters Patty Slifer Stovall (Harold) Evansville, Sandy Slifer Hansen (Don) Snellville Ga, Janet Slifer Hotz (Glen) Leesburg Florida and Amy Slifer Mackey (Larry) Liberty Township Ohio; many nieces and nephews. Sonny leaves behind his 2 precious fur babies, Marta and Gretza.

The family wishes to acknowledge Southern Care Hospice, Home Instead, and faithful friends who visited, called and sent cards throughout Sonny’s illness.

 A private Masonic Service and Military Rites will be conducted with burial to follow at Center Ridge Cemetery, Sullivan Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hadi Temple, 6 Walnut St, Evansville Indiana 47708 or The Vanderburgh County Humane Society 400 Milner Industrial Dr Evansville Indiana 47710.

Arrangements are being handled by BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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