Sentimental Sunday - Richard Raymond Slowey

Dickie Slowey 1939-1945

Dickie Slowey is a granduncle I never knew.  He was my grandmother's youngest brother.  My great grandmother had him late in life (age 44).  My grandmother was 17 when he was born.  He lived a short life, but I could tell when my grandmother talked about him that he experienced a full lifetime of love from his family.


The first article (from the Yankton Press & Dakotan) is actually the announcement of his 6th birthday (March 9, 1945), but I wanted to include it because it is so close in time to his obituary (March 23, 1945):

Dickey Enjoys Fine Birthday Even If Sick


Little Dickey Ray Slowey, who has been confined to Sacred Heart hospital here for many weeks suffering from a malady diagnosed as leukemia, was today celebrating his sixth birthday.  He was a happy boy indeed with gifts from many people and attentions from all around.


Dickey Ray is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Slowey, 812 Douglas Avenue, and mother was with him today.  In fact, mother has been with him almost constantly since he was attacked by the strange malady for which there appears to be no remedy.  The lad was feeling quite well today and was able to enjoy his birthday anniversary to the fullest.


DICKIE SLOWEY PASSES TODAY
Boy Victim of Leukemia To Be Buried Here On Monday

Leukemia, mysterious blood disease about which little is known in medical science, claimed the life of six-year-old Richard Raymond Slowey, son or Mr. and Mrs. Tom Slowey, 812 Douglas avenue early today.  The lad had been ill a number of weeks, and his death occurred at 4:00 a.m., in Sacred Heart hospital.


"Dickie," as he was known to all his acquaintances, observed his sixth birthday in the hospital on March 9, and throughout his illness, he maintained a cheerful disposition and enjoyed the company of his callers.


The boy is survived by his parents, one brother, Vernon who is serving in the Pacific theater of war, and four sisters, Mrs. Donald E. Perry, Mrs. Edw. Lanctot, and Lois and Rita at home.


Funeral services have been set for 9:30 a.m., Monday, from Sacred Heart church with the Rev. Msgr. L. Link officiating, and rosary will be said at the Burke Funeral Home at 8 p.m., Sunday.

Ed Lanctot & Dickie Slowey