John Levi Sloat
July 11, 1931 - February 22, 2019
1st Sergeant John Levi Sloat was born to Henry and Emma Sloat on July 11, 1931 in Hog Creek community and passed away on February 22, 2019 in Oklahoma City. He made his first attempt to enter the U.S. Army in 1945 at the age of 14. It wasn’t until after graduating from high school in 1948 that he was finally allowed to join. He served his country with pride and honor over the next few decades, earning several high commendations that included 2 silver stars and 2 bronze stars. Sloat also earned 3 Purple Hearts for his acts of bravery during his tour in the Korean War and 2 tours in the Vietnam War.
Upon retirement from the army in 1973 he returned home and became the first Governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, serving the first couple of terms without pay. While holding office with the tribe he wrote many of the governing laws still in place today. Sloat was key in paving the way for his people. In the early 1980's he served as chairman of the Oklahoma Department of Indian Affairs, standing firm in his role to promote the health, well-being, and rights of Native Americans. Sloat received many awards and tributes over the years of his dedicated service, one of the many being the certificate of Outstanding Community Achievement from President Jimmy Carter.
On November 12, 2014, First Sgt. Sloat was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. There, his exceptional acts of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage can still be read about today. HOOAH! In the years after his many services, he filled his life remaining with a strong tie to his family and tribe. Sloat was often the voice of knowledge to the many seeking awareness, understanding, principal and guidance. He was as vocal as they came, often leaving his audience in awe of his ability to speak the bold truth in such a way as to inspire all that heard his word and to work within their best abilities, fighting for nothing less than the best. Sloat was the man to know, and so many loved and cherished him. He will leave so many with a smile that forever brightens their day.
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Sloat; mother, Emma Polecat; son, Jimmy; and daughter, Carol.
John Levi Sloat will be sadly missed by granddaughter, Jami Thompson; grandson, Jeromi Sloat; granddaughter, Christina Sloat; grandson, Jeff Roby: great grandchildren, Troy, Logan, DeShayla, DeKaylie, Gracelyn, Rodney, Jimmy and Hunter; daughter in law, Debi Sloat; and many other family and friends.
Tribal rights will be Wednesday evening, February, 27, 2019 at Brendle Corner. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Fort Sill Cemetery in Lawton under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.
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