John Robert Slonaker

John Robert Slonaker, age 90, of Troy, OH passed away on May 30, 2026. He was born on June 10, 1935 in Greenville, OH to the late Joseph Robert and Ruth Estelle (Miller) Slonaker.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years of marriage: Linda L. (Longendelpher) Slonaker; one child: Stephanie J. Favorite of Sun City, AZ; one daughter-in-law: Denise Slonaker of Sidney; grandchildren: Chelsea (Jeff) Applegate of Piqua, Chad Slonaker of Sidney, Travis Slonaker of Oakwood, Allison (Pius) Zaleski of Columbus and Matthew Slonaker of Columbus; two great grandchildren: Caitlyn (Kevin) Smith of IN, and Beckett Zaleski of Columbus; brother-in-law: Gary Gilmore of Greenville; nephews: Joe, Jeff (Ginger) and Jason Gilmore and niece: Jenny (Chris) Conway; great niece and nephews: Amber, Nick, Sam, Eli and Finley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son: Michael J. Slonaker; his sister: Cheryl Gilmore; paternal grandparents: Ralph M. and Kemme (Bruss) Slonaker and maternal grandparents: Clarence (CJ) and Estella (Moul) Miller.

John was a 1953 graduate of Greenville High School. He received his Bachelor Degree in Education in 1957 and his Master’s Degree in Education in 1965, both from Miami University of Ohio. John served his country in the US Army and was a member of the 424TH Army Band at El Paso, TX, from 1959-1961. He began his teaching career in Bradford Schools from 1957-1959, before teaching at Troy City Schools from 1962-1987. John was a longtime member of the First United Church of Christ in Troy, OEA, MENC, ASBDA, Franklin Lodge #14 F&AM, Antioch Shrine Temple and Scottish Rite. He was founding Director of the Troy Civic Band and Miami County All-Star Band and directed both the Troy Senior Citizens “Funtimer Band” and the Antioch Shrine Band. John was also a longtime member of Piqua Civic Band, Sidney Civic Band and Greenville Civic Band. He was a charter member of the Troy Civic Theater and directed many musicals there. In 1984, John was the Grand Marshall of the Strawberry Festival parade. He enjoyed the Bengals, Reds, playing golf, traveling and several winters in Florida.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Baird Funeral Home, Troy with Rev. Lauren Allen officiating. Interment will follow in Greenville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 9, with Masonic and Scottish Rite Services at 7:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County or Shriners Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be made to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.