John Palmer Slone

Mar 29, 1928 -

Feb 19, 2020

John Slone departed this world peacefully on Feb. 19, 2020, in the company of his devoted family, and a few weeks short of his 92nd birthday. He was the kindest and most loving person you could ever meet. He lived a virtuous life of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and helpfulness, and maintained this high quality of life despite the tests and difficulties that life unavoidably brings. Following service in the U.S. Air Force, he worked as an electronics technician, first for RCA for many years, and then for Bendix, mostly on contracts for the U.S. government. He worked on short-term contracts for many years, traveling all over the country and sometimes working abroad. He and his family moved frequently, from one state to another. Finally, in 1964, he found a long-term job in Fairbanks at a satellite tracking station. Alaska became home for himself and his family. After 23 years, the tracking station was itself replaced by a satellite, and he and his dear wife, Clare, moved to Laurel, Md., for several years until he retired. Then, back to Alaska. He lived in Valdez for a short time, and then moved to Anchorage, where he lived the remainder of his life, more than 23 years.

One lives in this world on a spiritual journey, and in 1967, in Fairbanks, he was blessed by discovering the Baha'i Faith. He soon after became a devoted follower of Baha'u'llah and engaged in active, dedicated and loving service for the remainder of his life. John was born in Leburn, Ky. At some point in his young life, he discovered ice cream and came to love it. His desire for it greatly exceeded its availability and, as a result, it became his favorite food and remained so for the rest of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of more than 35 years, Clare; by his children, Phylis, Don and Gary; five grandchildren; four brothers and a sister; and by devoted and caring family on Clare's side, Dean, Charlie, Aaron and Saori. In remembering John, we also hold close to our hearts his wonderful mother, Kansas. It was from her that he imbibed and reflected the qualities of a loving and spiritual life, well lived. A good way for his friends to remember him is to recite a prayer for the progress of his beautiful soul in the next world, and to enjoy some ice cream. His interment is in Angelus Memorial Park Cemetery in Anchorage.