TECUMSEH, Kan. – Edward Lane Slusher, 91, passed away on his own terms and in his own damned time on June 14, 2023, at his home in Tecumseh, Kan. Edward was born Feb. 1, 1932, in Floyd, Va., to Callie and George Slusher.

After graduating from Floyd High School in 1949, Edward joined the Air Force, serving from 1952 to 1960, during which time he served in the Korean War as a boom operator on a refueling aircraft. He was stationed at Forbes Field, Topeka, Kan., where he met his wife, Mina Schrader. They were married in November 1958 after a scandalously short courtship and settled in Osage City, Kan.

After leaving the Air Force, Edward became a partner-owner in Osage Farm Equipment with his father-in-law, Howard Schrader, and became sole owner of the business in 1965.

In addition to his business activities, Edward served on the USD 420 Board of Education, Salt Creek Watershed Board, Rural Water District 7 Board, and the Osage City Council.

When Osage Farm Equipment closed in 1985, he partnered with Wayne Wischropp and Charles Beatty in a consignment auction business, and continued his interest in developing a Limousin cattle herd. He was active in the Kansas Livestock Association, the Kansas Limousin Association, and the National Limousin Association, serving time on the board of directors of each.

Never one to sit still, Edward spent his retirement volunteering at the VA hospital, in Topeka, traveling extensively on his motorcycle, tending to his land and cattle, offering sage advice to his children and grandchildren, and enjoying his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mina; four children, Charles Slusher, Portland, Ore., Susan Wecker, Lawrence, Kan., Mary Casey, Topeka, and Karen Olson (Terry), Mendota Heights, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; a dear nephew, Richard Slusher; other nieces and nephews; and close friends, Mike and Darlene Biddle, Gary Briggs, and Cary Casey.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Mannon, Maurice Slusher, and Jane Williams.

Memorial service will be held at a later date, so stay tuned.

In lieu of flowers and cards, the family requests memorial contributions to Midland Care Hospice, 200 W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606, or Veteran’s Administration Patient Needs, 2200 SW Gage, Attn. Voluntary Service, Topeka, KS 66622.