Arthur Sleeper

Age 84, of Burton, formerly of Otisville, died Thursday, November 19, 2015 at MediLodge of Grand Blanc. Funeral services in Arthur’s honor will take place 1:00 pm, Monday, November 23, 2015, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation and Tribute Services in Grand Blanc with burial to follow in Crestwood Cemetery. The family will be present at the funeral home to receive friends on Sunday from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm and on Monday from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Arthur was born July 17, 1931 in Alpena, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Justus Byrd and Pearl Evelyn (Cragg) Sleeper. Growing up on his family farm, Arthur would eventually find work with AC Spark Plug in Flint. Shortly after working there, he was drafted into the US Army, and served stateside during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953. After his return to civilian life, he would meet a young woman named Ruth Ann Decatur at a dance in Otisville. They dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on November 7, 1953 at Court St. Methodist Church in Flint. Arthur would also return to his career at AC, where he retired as a fork truck driver after 30 years, in 1983 and he was a member of UAW Local #651. He loved the outdoors, especially horses. Arthur was a member of the Michigan Trail Riders Association and also worked as a horse drawn carriage driver in Frankenmuth. He was fun-loving, hard-working, strong willed and loved his family dearly. He will be greatly missed. Left to cherish his memory are: his wife of 62 years, Ruth, three children, Diane Ruth and husband Bruce Brennan, Lorraine Kay Vandivier and James Arthur Sleeper and fiancé, Denise Stone, three grandchildren, Jason Pringnitz and fiancé Danielle Miller, Tony James and wife Karleigh Sleeper and Sarah Ellen Sleeper, sister, Aida Hall, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents and ten brothers and sisters. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Medilodge of Grand Blanc and Great Lakes Hospice, for the care and compassion shown to them during the last year.