The Rev. J.H. Robert “Bob” Sledge, 86, of Mt. Vernon died 12:05 a.m. June 21, 2006, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was a Baptist minister since 1958 in Southern Illinois, serving many churches, families and friends and was a barber for over 50 years at Sledge’s Barber Shop in Mt. Vernon.

The Rev. Sledge was born May 20, 1920, in Jefferson County to John and Ona (Burge) Sledge.

He married Irene (Laur) Sledge June 28, 1957, in Mt. Vernon; she survives.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in rural Mt. Vernon. The Revs. Gary Davenport and Les Sinks will officiate. Burial will follow at Harmony Cemetery in Jefferson County, with a military flag presentation conducted by the chaplain of Mt. Vernon American Legion Post 141. The Rev. Frank Huston will officiate at the cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in rural Mt. Vernon.

The Rev. Sledge is survived by his wife, Irene Sledge of Mt. Vernon; four sons, Robert Dean Sledge and wife Vicki of Centralia, Larry Gene Sledge and wife Jenny of Belleville, Dale Sledge of Mt. Vernon and Kevin Lee Sledge and wife Jill of Mt. Vernon; a daughter, Linda Kueker and husband Ed of Mt. Vernon; two brothers, Marcene Sledge and wife Lena of Mt. Vernon and the Rev. Joe Sledge and wife Virginia of Tucson, Ariz.; a sister-in-law, Marge Sledge of Mt. Vernon; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a great-grandchild, Christopher Cowie; a brother, Jim Sledge; and an infant brother.

The Rev. Sledge was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church and the Salem South Baptist Association.

For those who wish, memorials may be given to Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 or visit the Web site at www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: June 22, 2006
Submitted by Kiowana Hayes Ferguson