Donald Gene Sloo

Donald Gene Sloo, 94, lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2023. While aspects of his life might seem commonplace, the impact of his generosity and intentional care for his family is truly immeasurable. Don was born August 4, 1929, the only son of Clarence and Frances Opal (Neal) Sloo. He graduated early from Arsenal Tech High School and began attending Butler’s Pharmacology program before entering the United States Army and serving as a sergeant at Fort Hood. On October 13, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart Miriam (Frazier). They eloped in Indianapolis while he was on leave, and with a net worth of $17, they built an incredible life together. Following his military service, Don returned to Indianapolis and finished his pharmacy degree from Butler University in 1951. He worked in a private pharmacy for nearly 20 years before transitioning to Blue Cross Blue Shield where he retired in 1988 as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs. During this time, he also served on the Healthcare Organization Board, Medical Drug Utilization Board, and Indiana Board of Pharmacy. Despite all of his accomplishments, the most important parts of Don’s life were his faith and family. He was an active member of Old Bethel United Methodist Church for more than 50 years where he held several leadership positions and faithfully picked up food for the food pantry each week. He was also a devoted husband of 75 years, and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He once said, “Every day with your family is a good day,” and he truly believed it. Throughout his life, he passed on his love of sports, auto racing, the symphony, and travel. Don was an avid Butler basketball and Cincinnati Reds baseball fan. His favorite memories with his family included seeing Purdue play in the 2001 Rose Bowl, snowmobiling in Yellowstone, watching the Hut Hundred at the Terre Haute Action Track, attending the ISO Yuletide Celebration, and spending a week each year in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. Visitation will be Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington Street. Don was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Michael. He will be desperately missed by his wife Miriam; daughters Joyce (Larry) Ostendorf and Janet Clancy; grandchildren Jennifer (Justin) Noelle, Greg (Alina) Ostendorf, and David (Beth) Ostendorf; and great-grandchildren Max and Maddy Noelle, Eloise Ostendorf, and Josie Ostendorf. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Old Bethel and Partners Food Pantry.

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Donald Gene Sloo

August 4, 1929 - December 9, 2023