Walter C. Slocum

Walter Charles Slocum

PENN YAN-passed away peacefully on March 13, 2023, at the age of 87. Walt was born on May 2, 1935, to Charles and Thelma Slocum in Lackawanna, Pennsylvania. He moved to Penn Yan, NY, where he met the love of his life, Freda (Bacher) Slocum. Walt and Freda were married on November 1, 1952, and had two daughters, Suzanne Yonts, and Cindy (Ronald) Briggs. He is survived by his daughters, his sister Mary Lou (Lavern) Hainsworth, 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Walt was a simple man who enjoyed life's simple pleasures - family, music, and friendship. His motto was “work hard, play hard.” As a child and young man, Walt worked as a farmer. He was known by many as a foreman at the Penn Yan Boat Company. He also worked at the Pennsylvania House and Ribble Septic Service. When not working at his job, he could be found tinkering in his garage, working on his tractor, or helping at his grandson's vineyard.

Walt will be remembered as a self-taught musician who loved bluegrass and classic country music. He played the guitar and would sing his favorite tunes while performing with friends and family in the band Eric and the Freedom Riders. Walt spent hours practicing, listening to records, creating songbooks, and trying to improve his craft. He found great enjoyment being immersed in music while camping, parking lot pickin', and at family garage parties.

Family was everything to Walt and Freda. They lived a beautiful life together for 62 years until Freda's passing in 2015. Walt spoke proudly of his grandchildren Rhonda (Dana) Jackson, Daniel (Sarah) Yonts, Matthew Yonts, Rebecca (Jason) Trank, Heather (Scott) Woughter, and great-grandchildren; Dylan Yonts, Hannah (Charlie) Bennett, Samantha Trank, Paige Yonts, Natalie Yonts, Hailey Trank, Addyson Yonts, Olivia Woughter and Ethan Woughter. He never missed an opportunity to enjoy his family, always had a cold drink on hand, and said "I love you" every chance he had.

After grieving the loss of his beloved wife, Walt found love and companionship again, fulfilling his heart through his final years. Pauline Champlin and Walt shared common interests, which led them on numerous adventures that included camping, days trips to revisit memories of the past, family gatherings, and long visits full of laughter and kinship.

In his final days, Walt frequently asked to go home. The request to go home meant tending to the land on Hoyt Road that he and Freda had owned for 45 years or traveling to their favorite camping spots in the Adirondack Mountains. Walter has finally returned home. He has been received by those numerous loved ones who preceded him, including his parents, siblings, in-laws, friends, beloved pets, and most importantly, Freda, all of whom have been waiting for Walt to return home.

Walt’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home staff for the care provided during his stay. A celebration of life will be held at the Penn Yan Elks Lodge on April 23, 2023, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm, with a remembrance ceremony to begin at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Society of Yates County-Shelter of Hope in memory of Walter Slocum.

Arrangements with Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan.