Jack L. Sly

John “Jack” L. Sly, age 86, of Versailles, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at his home. He was born June 6, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri, the only son of Leo Joseph and Blanche Garrigan Sly. He attended St. Ann’s School in Normandy, Missouri, CBC High School, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Illinois in Champaign, in 1950, with a degree in business administration. On the beautiful, warm, sunny day of October 17, 1953, he married Betty Randolph at St. Ann’s Church in Normandy, Missouri. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and was inducted on December 5, 1943, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. Mr. Sly was trained as a radio-operator/gunner, flying on B-17’s and B-29’s. He was honorably discharged at Fort Logan, Denver, Colorado, on April 3, 1946. He was employed by Fruit Products Company, Sunrise Orchards in Illinois, Jung and Mueller Baking Company, Barrett Brake Equipment Company in Missouri, and became owner-operator of Fruit Products Company in St. Louis until 1972, when he sold the business. In 1973, he purchased the Western Hills Motel in Versailles, which he and his wife operated until their retirement in 1984. He was a charter member of the Good Shepherd Church in Ferguson, Missouri, where he was elected the first president of the Men’s Club. He was a lifetime member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, a member of Legion of a Thousand Men, life member of the Morgan County Historical Society, past president of the Versailles Lion’s Club, past president of Versailles Industrial Trust, an active member of the St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, member of the Friends of Morgan County Library, and a member of the Rolling Hills Country Club since 1973, where he was a former board member. He was a good and loving father. Jack enjoyed the outdoors, taking long walks, camping and fishing, and most sports, especially baseball, and picnicking with family and friends. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed teasing his friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Patrick J. Sly of Shawnee, Kansas; his sister, Jane Albers and husband Fred of Glen Carbon, Illinois; as well as thirteen nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a twin sister at birth, his only daughter, Laurie Ann Sly; a brother-in-law, Roland Randolph, and two sisters-in-law, Florence R. Johnston and Dorothy King. A Memorial Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 23, at the St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Versailles with Father C.D. “Bo” Ryan officiating. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Jack L. Sly

June 6, 1925 - September 20, 2011

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Jack L. Sly

June 6, 1925 - September 20, 2011

About Us

What We Do

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