J. Phillip Slavens

J. P. "Phillip" Slavens, 81, of Dakota City, NE passed away at his home on Saturday, November 16, 2013, while surrounded by his family.Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in South Sioux City, NE with Rev. Stephen S. Niles officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Online condolences to the family may be posted at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.Phil was born on March 1, 1932 in Earlham, Iowa, the son of Guy and Sadie (Porter) Slavens. He grew up in Earlham and graduated from Earlham High School. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State. Phil married Marian Martin on June 4, 1955. The couple moved to Dakota County where they resided for over 50 years.He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in South Sioux City for over fifty years, where he served as Deacon, Elder and as Treasurer for many years. He was also a member of the South Sioux City School Board for twelve years, and a former member of Kiwanis and the Fair Board. He served on the South Sioux City Schools' Building Committee for two schools and the Jail Committee for the new jail building.Survivors include his wife, Marian Slavens of Dakota City, NE; children, Kristi (William) Quinn of Dakota City, NE, John (Mari) Slavens of Zionsville, IN, Karen (Terry) Hollister of Flower Mound, TX, J. Paul Slavens of Denton, TX, and Elizabeth "Beth" (Mark) Funkey of Hastings, NE; grandchildren, Ryan Quinn, Kate (Quinn) Trautwein, Nathan Slavens, Rachel (Slavens) Small, Henry Slavens, Elizabeth Hollister, Madison Slavens, J. August Gamblin, Max, Emily and John Funkey; great-grandchildren, Quinn and Lily Bushey; and special daughter-in-law, Joan Phillips.Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Sadie Slavens; granddaughter, Sarah Slavens; brothers, John and Robert Slavens; and sister, Doris McCartney.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.