Wayne Allen Slusser

Wayne Allen Slusser was born on January 27, 1935 in Picher, Oklahoma to Alvie and Iva Slusser. Wayne passed away on April 29, 2018 at the age of 83. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, sister Fern Peters, daughter Lisa and son Brett. Wayne is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara and his sons Bradford (Linda) and Eric and daughter Shay Molennor (Chad), 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Wayne moved to California as part of the Dust Bowl Migration in 1942 after an 8 day journey with his parents, grandmother, aunt and sister in a 1938 Ford in order to seek a better life. They settled at the Arvin Federal Migratory Camp which was made famous by John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. It was here he cultivated lifelong friendships with those who shared in his memories of helping build the federally funded relief school for Okie children. He was the first graduating class of Arvin High School after which he joined the Army and then went on to work for Pacific Bell until his retirement. He was an avid reader and the first one at the gym 6 days a week. He was very grateful for the life he was given and faced his terminal diagnosis with his distinctive wit and strength of character. He passed away at home with his family by his side listening to Waylon, Willie and the boys.

A memorial service will be held on May 11, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at the Bakersfield National Cemetery located at 30338 East Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life with a reception to follow the service at the home of his daughter. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hoffman Hospice who provided compassionate care to Wayne and his family.