Robert Slayton, 37

On Tuesday, June 7, 2011, Robert Owen Slayton IV, "Bobby", left us to go live with the Lord Jesus Christ. No one expected him to leave so soon, and his passing has left a great void in the hearts of those who loved him.

Bobby was born Oct. 19, 1973, and grew up in Springfield, Mo., where he graduated from Parkview High School and Missouri State University. Bobby completed his post-graduate work with a Master’s Degree from the New York Institute of Technology. Bobby was a wizard with computers, and he provided those skills to Hallmark Cards of Kansas City for 5 years, and then to the Thomson Reuters Company of Eagan, Minn., for the 5 years immediately preceding his demise. He was not only well liked by those he worked with, but also well respected. Bobby found great satisfaction in a job well done.

Bobby was an enthusiastic sportsman. He was an excellent bowler with many league and tournament victories to his credit. He enjoyed fishing and playing golf as well as following his favorite professional sports teams in the media.

Most of all Bobby was a family man, and he had a big family. He and Lori were married 10 years and shared two wonderful children: a beautiful daughter, Lauren, and a wonderful young son, Owen. His children were the light of his life and he was a loving father. Additionally Bobby frequently served as big brother, mentor, and best friend to his sisters and a whole host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was a trusted son and confident to his father. On many occasions, Bobby was the rock that the family members depended upon. Likewise he was also the rock that many friends turned to in a time of need. Bobby put the needs of others before his own and found simple reward in helping those in need. One of his most endearing qualities was his ability to make people laugh even in the darkest of times. He had a wicked sense of humor that occasionally straddled the line of appropriateness. In many ways, he will be missed.

Bobby was preceded in death by his mom, Joann Ross.

Bobby is survived by wife, Lori, and children, Lauren and Owen, in the family home in Farmington. He is also survived by his father, Robert Slayton III, and five sisters, all in Springfield, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and a great many friends. It has been said that the true value of a person's life is best gauged by number of loved ones left behind, and in Bobby's case the number speaks for itself.

There will be a visitation from 4-6 p.m. Monday, June 13, with service beginning at 6 p.m. at Community Hope Lutheran Church, 14401 Biscayne Ave W, Rosemount, MN 55068. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Springfield. A request of memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers.

The Wise Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.wisefamilyfh.com to view the memorial video and sign the online guestbook.

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