Edward “Ed” Arthur Slocum

Edward “Ed” Arthur Slocum, 68, of Eagle Butte, died Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls from complications after a short hospital stay. As per Ed’s wishes, a family memorial will be held at a later date.

 

Ed was born December 10, 1947 in Vermillion to Robert and Lorraine (Kundert) Slocum. He graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre in 1966 and promptly shipped out to the Navy. Ed was stationed domestically in San Diego and received an honorable discharge. 

 

Ed’s post-military education and career was dedicated to a life in public education. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Black Hills State University in 1973, a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from South Dakota State University in 1978, an Education Specialist Degree in 1984, and his Doctoral Degree in 1986 from the University of Wyoming. In his early career, he worked as a teacher at Baltimore (MD) Public Schools and Pierre Indian School, and was the Federal Programs Director at Douglas School District before he transitioned into school administration. He served as the Secondary Principal and taught some classes at both Bison School District and Harding County School District. Ed served as the Superintendent in Redfield, Secondary School Supervisor in Mission, and Superintendent in Bison before accepting the position of Superintendent at New Town, ND in 1993. He held that position for 13 years before returning to South Dakota in 2006 to serve as Superintendent at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte until his retirement in 2013.

 

It was at New Town where he spent the longest tenure of his career. He found tremendous gratification in arriving at a financially struggling school district and leaving it with a solid financial foundation. He led numerous building projects, the crown jewels of which were a new Middle School wing and a major expansion at the elementary building. The pride of his career was providing the students there with a quality education while appreciating cultural and traditional aspects of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. Although his job as Superintendent sometimes called for less day-to-day student interaction than he preferred, he enjoyed getting to know all the students and he collaborated with school staff and other community organizations to prevent students from dropping out. 

 

Ed was an outdoorsman at heart, pursuing hunting and fishing adventures throughout his life. He instilled a love of nature in his children as well. He especially enjoyed casting a line and trolling for walleye. Everywhere he lived, he found a fishing spot, but New Town’s Lake Sakakawea was spiritually significant to him. Shadehill in Perkins County was another treasured fishing spot.

 

His sense of humor was a defining characteristic, and he often opened a conversation or meeting with a pun that was sure to induce either laughter or eye rolling. Either way, his humor was sure to get a response and his wit was a hallmark of his skill as a communicator.

Ed married the love of his life, Monica DelRae Marlow, in Rapid City on Nov. 25, 1978. To this union two children were born, Erica Elise and Robert Lewis. Ed was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Even in the last days of his life, he still enjoyed bragging to the nurses about Erica, Robert, and his grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his father, Robert Roy Slocum.

 

Ed is survived by his wife, Monica, of Eagle Butte, son Robert (Jerica), of Isabel, daughter Erica (Will) Stafford, Rapid City, mother, Lorraine, Rapid City, brother Bob (Pam) Slocum, Rapid City, sister Rhonda (Rick) Rylance, Rapid City and daughter Elizabeth (Mathew) Bergendahl, Rapid City. Ed is also survived by numerous grandchildren and other family and dear friends.

 

Monica, Erica, and Robert take comfort in the memories of the time they had with him when he was in good health, and are grateful to have been able to be with him in his final days. His family knows he is casting his line in heaven, where it is not windy and there is no limit on walleye.

 

Condolences may be sent to: P.O. Box 297, Eagle Butte, SD 57625.