Luther Sly

For some, it takes a little more searching in life to find that place of comfort called "home". Luther Sly was a world traveler. He served his country with honor, and knew about a hard days work. Eventually he learned his place in the world was where his Lord wanted him all along; seeking Him and enjoying the love of family. Outgoing and friendly, Luther was above all, genuine. He was a true people person and cared about others, especially those he held dear. Sadly missed, he will be long remembered in the hearts of many.

Luther's story began after World War I during a decade of economic prosperity rich with optimism and innovation. The stock market soared, and people everywhere were brimming with hope. It was the infamous Roaring Twenties, and a sense of gaiety filled the air. Charlie Chaplin was king of the movie screen, and Babe Ruth baseball was news of the day. In the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, Luther and Viola (Lewis) Sly had special news of their own when on September 3, 1925 they welcomed the birth of their son, Luther.

While quite young their family moved to the Decatur, Michigan area. One of four boys, he also had two sisters, which made for a very busy household. He attended the Decatur schools and shared in childhood adventures and some mischief, too. From an early age he learned the value of working hard and earned his way picking pickles for a local farmer for a nickel a day. As a boy he loved going swimming, and fished in the local inland lakes. In school he wanted to play basketball, but his Dad didn't allow him to do so..

With World War II raging overseas, Luther, like many young men during this time, felt the call to duty. Many fibbed about their age to join the service, and Luther was no exception. At the age of 17 he left school to enlist in the Navy. Through the service he traveled to China, serving as a medic of sorts, and on to Turkey, France, and throughout Europe. For a brief time he even studied to be a minister. After four years in the service, Luther returned home to Niles, Michigan and began working for the Bendix Corporation in nearby South Bend, Indiana.

Things just weren't working out for Luther, so in 1948 he re-enlisted into the Navy. He served in the Philippine Islands during the Korean War, and it was by far his favorite place to be. He not only loved the warm tropical climate, but especially appreciated the people and enjoyed their culture.

Luther welcomed two children from an earlier marriage that he counted as a blessing. Cindy was born in 1949, and once he returned home to the states in 1951, his son, Craig came along in 1952. He lived mainly in the Niles area, but his traveling nature found him living in other areas as well. Having left school prior to joining the Navy, he later earned an honorary diploma from Decatur High School in 1959.

From that point, Luther returned to his home state of Michigan until 1990 when he began residing at the White Oaks Assisted Living Community in Lawton, Michigan. During his brief time there, Luther's life changed in a tremendous way when he met a lovely nurse's aid. Doris Lamphere and Luther became fast friends, and soon developed a deep rooted love. On July 21, 1990, they were happily married at First Baptist Church, beginning a whole new life together. They made a memorable trip to Gun Lake before enjoying the sandy beaches and pristine waters of Hawaii for their honeymoon. With Doris, Luther had finally found "home".

Luther and Doris did just about everything together. They enjoyed walking, and did so often. One of the greatest things they shared was their devoted faith. Luther considered the day he asked Jesus to be his personal Lord and Savior as the best day of his life. Doris was a witness to his commitment, and it forged an even greater bond between them. He was warmly welcomed and well liked at church, and became quite involved. He loved to sing and was even a member of the church choir. Handsome and smartly dressed, he made sure his shoes were always spit-shined and ready for church each week.

There were many things Luther enjoyed doing. He took time for his love of fishing, and was big into sports, especially the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. When it came to television or movies, he was a fan of John Wayne oldies, and westerns in general. For reading, he preferred a good western or National Geographic, and his music preferences included Christian and good old southern country. Luther was the type of man who was certain about his likes and dislikes, and beans and pigs hocks were foods he especially loved. Anytime they went out to eat, which they did often, Luther was sure to order his favorite, catfish.

Luther enjoyed times spent at the Indian Lake Nazarene Camp and visiting his brother. Always the jokester, he loved teasing, and was known for his catch phrases, "outstanding" and responses of, "right, right, right". Being kind and caring was a part of his friendly nature, and he loved being around others. Although his loud voice could come across as harsh at times, he did have a tendency to speak his mind. At times his opinion may have been expressed when it shouldn't have, but he never intentionally set out to hurt anyone.

Throughout the years, Luther enjoyed coin collecting and going to rummage sales. Not that he really needed anything, but over time he did come to acquire a lot of "stuff" and had nearly three of everything used! One of his greatest joys was gardening. He loved flowers and spruced up their yard each summer with an assortment of blooms, and there were always plenty of bird feeders he was sure to tend to. Never far from his side was his constant poodle companion, Naomi, and everyone in Lawton knew they went everywhere together.

Family was important to Luther. He proved to be a good father and stepfather, and loved those he held dear. His faith and love for the Lord was his greatest treasure, and he cherished above all the relationship he had come to have with his heavenly Father. It was especially evident over the past few weeks. As Luther's health began to deteriorate, Hospice was called into their home, and with his family by his side, Luther Sly, at the age of 86, peacefully went to be with his Lord, Wednesday, November 2, 2011.

Learn more about Luther and view his Life Story film with his family and friends on Thursday, 6–9 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson-Paw Paw; 60900 M-40, 657-3870 where services will be held Friday, November 4, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. Luther was preceded in death by three siblings. Surviving are his wife of 21 years, Doris (Lamphere) Sly; two children: Cindy (Robert) DePoy, Craig (Kathy) Sly; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six step-children: Robert James, Patricia (Bob) Davison, Kassandra James, Carol Perkins, Tom (Kelly) James, Leona (Lawrence) Pease; two brothers: Martin (Thelma) Sly, Bert Sugars; many nieces and nephews. Please visit Luther’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a memory, photo or sign his memory book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church-Lawton.