Visitation
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST
Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene
7520 East U Ave
Vicksburg, MI 49097
Web Site
Service
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene
7520 East U Ave
Vicksburg, MI 49097
Web Site
Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
The Ark
1819 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
381-9800
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Heirloom Rose
407 S. Grand St.
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
(269) 679-3010
Driving Directions
Web Site
Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site
Life Story / Obituary
When reflecting on the life of Dusty Sloan, words such as kindhearted, gentle, and genuine come to mind, and it was easy to see the love he had for his family. Taken from his loved ones too soon, his mother shares these heartfelt words, “Our precious first born son, Dustin, has succumb to his demons. While our hearts break, I choose to believe he has found peace. We were ever hopeful he would get beyond his struggles. Dusty was known for being easy to talk to and light hearted. He was a person who loved deeply and had concern and compassion for others. Children were drawn to his infinite patience and playfulness. He loved his pets, all animals, and was happiest when climbing trees. Dusty had a passion for working out, loved being "freakishly strong". He was free of the stresses of wondering what would be. He just took each day as it came. His humor and wit were like no other.” It is clear that in the time he was here, Dusty touched countless others in such a special way.
December 1993 was an exciting time in the lives of Dustin and Johnnie (Richey) Sloan as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child while serving in the Army stationed near Red Bank, New Jersey . The big day finally arrived on a snowy December 16th - two weeks past his expected due date. On the way to the hospital his father wanted to stop for bagels, but the laboring Johnnie knew it was time to just get to the hospital. Weighing in just shy of nine pounds, their baby boy’s face looked just like his father’s, so Dustin Robert it was. Later on, Dusty became an older brother with the birth of Ryan. The boys were always close, Dusty loved to match outfits when they were little. He watched over his little brother, and as they became adults, said he looked up to Ryan.
First and foremost in Dusty’s life were the people around him. There were several family trips, his favorite was to Colorado Springs. Our extended family made the boys feel so welcomed, they wanted us all to move there and he still planned to return someday. Montana was his favorite place, where Grams taught him to make homemade tortillas. Most days Dustin could be found on the trampoline doing jaw dropping stunts. His skill on a unicycle was impressive. Skateboarding was his thing for awhile. Dustin played several sports over the years, but really enjoyed free time play over structure. He was so caring and compassionate, and with his warm and genuine personality, kids were naturally drawn to him and they easily bonded. Dusty also had a special place in his heart for animals, and he even had some exotic pets like reptiles and geckos. Dusty once came to his mother’s rescue in the barn. Mom discovered a mouse. Dusty gathered up their nest with the babies inside, and relocated it to the woods. Someone who loved being outside, his favorite place to be was always up in a tree.
Dusty was always very proud of his Native American heritage with the Salish and Kootenai tribes. When he was 10, Dusty became involved with the Kalamazoo County 4-H. He taught himself to play the guitar. He had worked at Erbelli’s and enjoyed making his own pizzas. He loved his time at Binder Park as a “zoo teen”. Do you have any idea how far giraffe poop will splatter from 7 feet up? Dusty attended Tobey Elementary. He was such a reader, the bookstore was one of his favorite stops. It was hard to keep up with his love of reading and he considered his books to be friends. Later he went on to Vicksburg High School where he wrestled. He later went on to graduate from high school in 2012. In his free time Dusty enjoyed movies and also loved arm wrestling, which he called “pulling.” Friends were so important to him. He always had a listening ear and kind words, trying to make the world a nicer place. In addition, it is completely possible that he made the strongest coffee in the world.
Although his time here ended much too quickly, Dustin Sloan made a significant impact in the hearts and lives of everyone he met. He was vibrant and fun-loving, yet so kind and gracious as well. Dusty was the sort of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone, and he was always thinking of others. Dusty had a special way with kids - perhaps because he was a kid at heart. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.
Dustin “Dusty” Robert Sloan, of Vicksburg passed away on Wednesday, January 11th, 2017. Dusty is survived by his parents, Dustin and Johnnie (Richey) Sloan, of MT; one brother, Ryan Sloan, of Kalamazoo; grandparents, Bob and Lee Richey, of Vicksburg and Peg and Allen Sloan, of Montana; godmother and her children, Ginger McInnis, of Saginaw: Mackenzie, Bailey, Ian; aunts and uncles, Bonnie Miller, of Vicksburg; Duane (Amy) Haring, Vicksburg; Dawn (Troy) Benson, MT; and numerous cousins. Dusty was preceded in death by his uncle, Robert Richey. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January, 18, 2017 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, 7520 East U Ave, Vicksburg. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the church, with Pastor Dave Downs officiating. Please visit Dustin’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make contributions to The Ark-for youth.