Obituary of Robert Dean Slonneger

Robert Dean Slonneger, 91, of Morgantown, WV died July 29, 2014. The son of the late Olive Bane Birkett and John Charles Slonneger, he was born on April 27, 1923 in Peoria, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and received his Masters from the University of Texas. During World War II, Bob served as an officer in the U.S. Army Ordinance. After his discharge, he taught at the University of Texas for seven years before joining the faculty at West Virginia University. He served on the faculty for 35 years for the College of Engineering as professor of Mechanical Engineering, chairman of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics and assistant dean before retiring in 1988 as Professor Emeritus. He received the Outstanding Teacher Award in mechanical engineering several times. During his tenure at West Virginia University, he served on the University Senate, the Athletic Council, and as head marshal for the commencement ceremonies. He was the head statistician for the university football and basketball games for 24 years. From 1964 to 1968 he was one of the directors of the West Virginia National Youth Science Camp in Pocahontas County. He was a registered Professional Engineer in Texas and West Virginia and was also a member of the American Society for Engineering Education, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Sigma Xi scientific honorary, the Pi Tau Sigma mechanical engineering honorary and the Tau Beta Pi engineering honorary. He was a member of Acacia Fraternity, University Masonic Lodge of Austin Texas, Austin Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Osiris Shriners of Wheeling and Order of Elks. Bob belonged to the Morgantown Pines Country Club and the Senior Golfers. Bob was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for 60 years, having served both as an usher and chairman of the board. He is survived by his daughter and their spouses: Barbara and Scott Cameron of Cincinnati, OH, and Elizabeth and Christopher Power of Charleston, WV, as well as his five grandchildren: Katie and Christopher Power, Jr. and Laura, Beth and Caroline Cameron. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Elaine Cather Slonneger. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church with a memorial service officiated by the Rev. Michael Atkinson following. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations may be made in Bob's memory to: Wesley United Methodist Church, 503 High St., Morgantown, WV 26501 or the WVU Foundation. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.