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OVERLAND PARK- Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Sloyer (USAF Ret.) passed away in Overland Park, KS on March 24, 2008 at the age of 63. Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 27, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. In lieu of flowers family requests contributions be made to the Atonement Lutheran Church for Mexico Mission.
Born November 24, 1944 in Topeka, KS he was the son of Melvin and Bertha Sloyer. He attended Topeka Lutheran School and graduated from Topeka High School in 1962. In 1966, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Washburn University, where he was also a member of Alpha Delta fraternity and active in the Arnold Air Society. Growing up in Topeka he lived in the Oakland area and attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
Wayne married Peggy Elsasser on July 9, 1966 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas. Mr. Sloyer was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1966 and served until 1991. Throughout his 25-year career he served as C141 Navigator, RF4C Pilot and achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. He received the following medals during his military career; Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Air Medal (12 OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3 OLC), Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Medal and National Defense Service Metal.
After retiring from the Air Force in 1991, Wayne worked part time for America West Airlines as a Reservation Agent. He and Peggy enjoyed a lifetime of world travel, living in Korea, England, Hawaii and many other U.S. states. Spectator sports and playing bridge were some of his passions. He was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church for 15 years and loved serving on an usher team there for many years. He also took pleasure in his membership with the Empty Nesters Social Group and Neighborhood Dine Out Group.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Peggy; brother, Don Sloyer (Gail); brother-in-law, Steve Elsasser (Sue); sister-in-law, Sherry Hodnefield (John); nieces and nephews, Matt Sloyer (Stephanie), Avery Sloyer, Jeff Sloyer (Shanna), Leslie Elsasser, Pete Elsasser, Brad Hodnefield (Brooke) and Becky Hodnefield. Wayne valued his family and friendships, staying in contact with many friends and family members throughout his life.
Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel 913-451-1860.
Published in the Topeka Capital-Journal on March 26, 2008.
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Peggy Elsasser (Sloyer)
Wayne graduated from Washburn in 1966 with a Bachelor's degree in Business and was also commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He served 25 years retiring as a Lt. Colonel . He began his military career as a C141 Navigator and then after pilot training flew RF4's. He was stationed in 7 states plus Thailand, England, and Korea. In retirement he worked part time as a reservation agent for America West Airlines. He was married to Peggy Elsasser 41 years and they enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, friends & family gatherings. He developed esophageal cancer and died March 24, 2008. He always looked forward to the reunions and seeing "old friends".