John Frederick Sloan

John Frederick Sloan, 85, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away at home on May 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on November 18, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to John Sloan and Evelyn Belonge-Sloan. Johnnie proudly served his country in the United States Navy
On February 17th, he met the love of his life, Nellie Rose Steele, on a blind date. Their connection was immediate, and they were married shortly after on April 28, 1962. Together, they built a life centered on love and family. They welcomed two children: Douglas “Doug” S. Sloan in 1963 and Lucinda “Cindy” M. Sloan in 1976, both of whom were a great source of pride and joy in his life.

Johnnie was a loving and devoted husband to Nellie (Rusty), his cherished wife of 64 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another. He was a proud and caring grandfather to four beloved grandchildren: Megan, Micheal, Alexander “Alex,” and Makayla “Kayla,” each of whom held a special place in his heart.

John was also blessed to become a great-grandfather to nine wonderful great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Layla, Abel, Charlotte, Finlee, Kamdyn, Penelope, Karolyne, and Micheal. His legacy lives on through each of them, and he took great joy in watching his family grow through the generations.

Johnnie proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years, retiring as a First Class Radioman. During his service, he traveled extensively, visiting places such as Morocco, Africa, Yokosuka and Okinawa, Japan, and many other destinations around the world.

After serving 20 years in the United States Navy, Johnnie continued his strong work ethic in civilian life. He worked for 15 years with Pepsi as a Refrigeration Mechanic, where his skill and dedication were well respected.
He later began a new chapter in his career as a secretary in the Radiology Department at Freeman Hospital, where he worked for approximately 18 years. Through each role, Johnnie was known for his reliability, kindness, and commitment to those around him.

After his military career, Johnnie found joy in woodworking, creating a wide range of handcrafted pieces for his family and friends. He also had a deep love for the outdoors, especially fishing, and spent many summer days relaxing at the lake. He also had a passion for cooking and canning, often preparing and preserving meals to share with family and friends. It brought him great joy to provide for his loved ones in this way, creating both food and lasting memories.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO.