Elvin F. Slusher

Elvin Frederick "Fred" Slusher, 80, formerly of Haysville, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home in Belle Plaine on Thursday, January 27.

Fred valued family and friends, cherishing time with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a great source of joy for him and always brought a smile to his face and energy to his step. Over the years, he was a supporter of his community and local sports, including serving as president of the Haysville Junior Basketball League for four years and coaching both his children in multiple sports as they attended Haysville schools. He was a lifelong member of the Haysville Christian Church and loved the outdoors, often taking his family camping and panning for gold in Colorado. In addition to visiting the mountains, Fred enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour novels, riding his horse Mack, talking about a good conspiracy theory, watching old western movies, and telling lizard jokes.

Fred spent his lifetime working on and around farm equipment, retiring as a parts manager for John Deere companies in Kiowa and Anthony, KS, and is well known for having owned and operated Cain Implement Company in Wichita for over 20 years, specializing in Ford and Kubota tractors, and Bush Hog implements. His encyclopedic knowledge of parts numbers and tractor operations was legendary among John Deere and Ford customers.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Elvin Elton Slusher and Cleo Lorene (Bittman) Pate; brother Ronnie Slusher, and sister Sandy Vonderwall. He is survived by his children, Sheri Warren and Daniel (Rhonda) Slusher, sister Linda Clark, four grandchildren, Jeremy (Alicia) Huebner, Jessica (Brandon) Ward, Nicholas Slusher, and Troy Slusher; and three great grandchildren, Atticus Huebner, Lulabelle Huebner, and Vaylah Huebner.

Smith Family Mortuaries is managing burial next to his parents and family at Greenwood Cemetery at 6231 W. 47th St. S, Wichita, KS, with a graveside service scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022.