Joel Edward Slaybaugh (2018)

CRAMER, SLAYBAUGH, TREANOR

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:03:16

The Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Iowa
Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Joel Slaybaugh, 65, of New Virginia formerly of Stuart, went to be with his Lord, Friday May 11, 2018 at Winterset North Care Center. Memorial services in memory of his life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday June 8, 2018 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart, Ia. Rev. David Flemming will officiate. Open visitation will be from 3– 7 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at All Saints Catholic Church.

Memorials may be given to the All Saints Catholic Church or Medora Ladies Aid where he assisted with Thursday potlucks. Online condolences may be given at powersfh.com.

Joel Edward Slaybaugh was born on July 27, 1952, in Guthrie Center, Ia., a son to Dorothy L. (Cramer) Slaybaugh and Ollie M. Slaybaugh.

He was one of the first if not the first Downs Syndrome individuals to be main-streamed into life in Stuart. His mother made that choice the day he was born to raise Joel in the family home. So, he first lived on the farm and then moved into town at the age of 3. Joel was fascinated with running water especially the bath tub. He lived in town the rest of his life with his loving mom & dad.

Joel attended St. Mary's School in Stuart with a tremendous amount of help. He later graduated from Guthrie County Special Education Program in 1973. He continued on to Easter Seals Programs at Camp Sunnyside, where he learned weaving first on a table top loom, then on a floor loom, producing many beautiful and useful bags and rugs. Joel was a life-time member of All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart. He was especially proud of becoming an altar boy there.

He touched the hearts of many residents in Stuart. As a young man, he helped with Meals on Wheels deliveries, he loved Chuck Norris and adored Charlie's Angels. He was sure he needed a conference table, so he could bring all of his Angels including Bosley to be together in one place for a meeting. So the dining room table had to be moved for his private office, that way construction could start on his office. When we would tell him "We can't do that Squirt"… he'd respond "Sure you can 7-up!" He could make you laugh even when it should be serious, but you know that old saying "Out of the mouth of babies" – that was Joel.

After the death of his parents, Joel moved in with what he called his "New Family" which was actually with his brother Greg, sister-in-law, Kim, and his step grandparents, Don & Louise Treanor and his 4-legged brothers and sisters, otherwise known as Joel's dancing partners. Joel loved to dance anytime anywhere whether it be at a wedding or an anniversary, Joel was there. He was happy to just turn on the radio in his head, put one of the dogs front feet over his shoulders and say "come on let's dance." He was a wonderful puppy socializer too. If a puppy was missing from our room, just check Joel's room. So many times he asked if he could share his food/cookie with his 4-legged brothers and sisters, like he and daddy used to do. If we told him no, he would remind us that after momma died, he and daddy did it all the time, so "Why Not." If you knew Joel, you'll remember him from his handshake when he would ask "May I" and he'd turn your hand over and kiss the back of your hand. Just another way you'll never forget our little squirt.

Joel is survived by two brothers, a sister, an aunt, an uncle, nieces, nephews, many cousins, a step-grandmother and all of those people out there that he met and weaseled his way into their hearts too.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Dorothy Slaybaugh, aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, a step-grandfather and many 4-legged brothers and sisters.

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