Allen A. Slonaker

Allen Andrew Slonaker, 86, formerly of Gettysburg, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006, at the Brethren Home Community, New Oxford. He was the husband for over 62 years to the late Bessie Marie (Tressler) Slonaker, who died on April 25, 2005. He was born May 26, 1919, in Fairfield, the son of the late Andrew Alfred and Ruth Belle (Sprenkle) Slonaker. After high school, Allen worked as a carpenter and was later employed by Donald Scott's John Deere dealership in Gettysburg, which he later purchased. After acquiring the business, he moved to a location on the Hanover Road and renamed his business Slonaker Implement Co. He later sold that business and worked for Maitland Brothers of Gettysburg as a heavy equipment hauler, operator, and mechanic. Allen would haul heavy equipment throughout the U.S. to ports on the east and west coasts. He was a well known and well respected mechanic, always ready and willing to help others. Early in life, as the eldest son, he had the responsibility of operating the family farm in Fairfield when his father became ill. He also cared for his loving wife during her sickness and final years of her life. He was an avid baseball and football fan, and served with the U.S. Army during WWII. His memberships included the American Legion Post #202 and the Eagles #1562, both of Gettysburg; the Appalachian Trail Conference, where he was a member since 1962; and the Gettysburg United Methodist Church. He is survived by his daughter Virginia "Ginger" M. Riley and her husband, Pat of Gettysburg; sisters, Janet R. Brenner and Helen C. Stahley, both of York; and brothers, Ira M. Slonaker of York and Harry E. Slonaker of Gettysburg. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Esther M. Miller. The funeral will be Monday, January 23, 2006, at 11 a.m. in the Peters Funeral Home, 321 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, with Pastor Jay E. Zimmerman officiating. The family will receive friends and share memories on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Gettysburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gettysburg United Methodist Church, 30 W. High St., Gettysburg, PA 17325; or to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, 1075 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.