Robert Keith Sluder Sr.

Robert Keith Sluder Sr. was a man for whom actions spoke louder than words. The qualities of being fair, just and the ability to differentiate right from wrong were the driving forces in Robert’s life. He was also the type of person who respected a “Do Not Disturb” sign, whether it was real or implied. He was analytical and observant, with the capability to be spontaneous and keenly perceptive. Robert was modest in his actions and literal in his thoughts, especially in the manner of communication with his peers. When Robert said something, he meant it. He was a man of his word, all who knew him admired this trademarked quality.

Robert was born on September 26, 1959 at Barstow hospital in Barstow, California, where he was also raised. He was the son of Jack and Donna Sluder. Even as a child, Robert was intrigued by the concept of understanding what was right and what was wrong in any given situation. As Robert grew older, he realized the importance of being treated fairly, and in return, he treated everyone around him as such. This belief served Robert well throughout his life and despite his natural shyness; he enjoyed a solid group of friends.

Since Robert sought to treat those around him with respect in his own way. He was comfortable in working through the types of rivalry situations that quite often occur, because he found comfort in the challenge of conflict resolution. He was the brother of John Sluder, Steve Sluder, Tim Sluder, Cathy Ashbrook and Cindy sluder. Robert struggled with the death of his brother John. He and his brothers were no strangers to the usual sibling encounters while growing up, but they shared and he cherished many of their life experiences.

While in school, Roberts greatest asset was his curiousity. He possessed strong study skills and good concentration. He relished the task of scrutinizing problems, investigating all options and problem solving. Robert enjoyed tackling the project in front of him and completing it from conception to conclusion. Sometimes, he would become so involved in the process of problem solving that he would lose the awareness of his surroundings. Experience was Robert’s greatest teacher. He graduated from Kennedy high school in 1977 where he enjoyed some courses far more than others. His favorite classes were history and automotive.

Those who weren’t too familiar with Robert might have thought him to be objective and somewhat emotionally detached, but family and friends who were close to him knew that he was capable of unexpected flashes of humor. Robert’s good friends tend to be “thinkers” like himself. Even though his circle of friends was small, it was a strong and loyal group. Robert liked nothing better than to spend his free time with them. He was well known for always being up front and open, never hiding his true feelings. Qualities that drew deep loyalty from his friends because they understood and accepted him for the person he was. Another quality that people admired in Robert was his ability to link cause and effect while apply the appropriate connection in his assessment of any new situation. While growing up, some of his best friends were the Gomez Family, David carpenter, Ray Gutierrez, Jack and Gilbert Deaton.

As his family grew, Robert was able to easily adapt to the changes and challenges of fatherhood. He was blessed with two sons, Robert Keith Sluder II and Ryan Nolan Sluder. He was enthroned with one beautiful granddaughter, Calle Allison Newlon. Robert was impulsive in dealing with family problems. He was a strong, clear communicator who excelled at eliminating confusion by making matters crystal clear to all involved.

In his work life, Robert was the type of person who had did not struggle in accepting a project and ensuring its completion. He excelled at dealing with those pesky details that can derail most people, and once he understood the totality and purpose of the specified project, he could plow full steam ahead. For Robert, being able to grasp the logical components of any task was significant in its importance. Even if he worked alone on an assignment, Robert welcomed and incorporate new insights from co-workers, and would adopt them in improving his processes. His primary occupation was a Mechanic. He took pride in his employment at Walmart , Chevron and Mar Construction. He always made the effort to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Robert’s curious and inquisitive nature influenced his choice of leisure pursuits as well. He applied his strong concentration and analytical skills to his choice of activities. He particularly enjoyed the “alone” time in his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were watching sports, reading, collecting coins & stamps, going to the movies and antiques. Robert was content in enjoying his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Robert had the ability to stay calm and the determination to do what was necessary. These traits helped him really enjoy sports. Robert was a big sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity. His top three were baseball, football and basketball.

Robert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of Robert’s favorites were Bubba, A Corgi dog and Little Ann a mixed dog. They were best friends for 14 years and 15 years.

Robert strongly believed that talk is cheap. He was the type of person who would show others his feelings through his actions. He was practical and realistic but had the ability to be flexible when necessary. He had curiosity about the things around him and tried to experience life directly. The experiences he treasured most were those he shared with his loved ones. Robert Keith Sluder Sr. will be greatly missed.

Robert passed away on July 25, 2022 in Barstow, California, from natural causes. Robert was preceded in death by his father Jack Sluder and his brother John Sluder and sister Cindy Sluder. He is survived by his children Bobby and Ryan, his granddaughter Calle, his mother Donna, brothers Steve(Gay) Sluder and Tim(Leanne) Sluder, his sister Cathy(Chuck) Ashbrook. Services were held at High Desert Word Center. Robert was laid to rest in Barstow, California.

Services will be september30th at 10 am at Hi Desert Word Center. 30918 Soap Mine Road, Barstow California ,92311.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the Sluder family.

Mead mortuary chapel and reception room are open for services at 100% capacity. If you need assistance, please call 760-256-5671 to speak with our staff. Our office area is open to the public and we highly suggest that you call for an appointment before coming in. Thank you for your cooperation, we appreciate your understanding during this time. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family.