David Slone

David A. Slone , 68, of West Chester, Ohio, passed to eternal life on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife Betsy; children Larry (Mary), Ryan, Matt (Kylie), and Lizzy; and grandchildren Isaac, Jonah, and Izzy. Also survived by siblings Laura Delaney (Ron), Louise Wilkinson (George), Lorraine Franz (Don), and Tom (Sarah), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Marjorie D. Slone and father Thomas J. Slone, Sr.

Dave’s childhood involved frequent moves and he became adept at making new friends. This served him well as an adult because he could make friends in any situation. In his jobs in sales, first in auto parts and later trailers, he made friends with customers and learned their stories. He talked with them about their families and their struggles, and truly cared for people.

Dave had a strong faith that grew through the years. He took great joy worshiping at Christ the King Lutheran Church, especially on the altar as assisting minister on Christmas Eve when he could hear the whole congregation sing.

He cherished his kids and loved every minute he spent with them. He embraced their activities and learned to appreciate new things such as opera, classical, and choral music. He supported them in adventures that literally took them around the globe. He and Betsy became a foster family and cared for young children who needed a loving home for a short time. This led to the adoption of their youngest, Lizzy, who always held a special place in his heart. He was also close to his siblings near and far, and especially loved his special bond with his younger brother Tom, with whom he shared daily phone calls in the last year of his life.

Dave had a passion for cars, and carried an immense knowledge of make, model and year that he could pull out at any time. He also loved motorcycling, and enjoyed both long and short rides with his friends and later with his wife riding pillion. He was so happy when she finally agreed to join him on his motorcycle rides.

He adored his wife Betsy, who he called “his rock.” In a letter for her 60th birthday, he wrote,”If I had known having you as a 60-year-old wife was going to be this incredible I might have started here. But then we would have missed all the laughter and tears that make our tapestry of life so special.”

Dave had a special way of being in relationship with people, and he cared about their struggles and their worries. He shared his faith quietly and his positive attitude was an inspiration to many. He never asked, “Why me?,” and maintained a positive outlook until the end. He will be missed by many.

Services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 1, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 7393 Dimmick Road, West Chester, Ohio, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. Masks are required. Gifts in Dave’s memory can be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church or the TriHealth Cancer Wellness Program through The Bethesda Foundation Cancer Wellness Fund.