Glen Richard Slabach, 78, of Syracuse, Ind., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at an implement auction, doing what he loved.

Glen was born on March 8, 1935, the son of Ervin and Naomah (Miller) Slabach in LaGrange County, Ind. On Dec. 18, 1965, he married Suzanne Yoder at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Goshen, Ind. She survives.

Glen worked at agriculture related jobs all of his life. He worked for Pine Manor and Burger Dairy, was co-owner of Ford Tractor Sales of New Paris and owned and operated Slabach Equipment of Howe, Ind. He was then a salesman for Sherman Farm Equipment, Howe.

He was passionate about helping people and was involved in many community organizations and clubs throughout his lifetime. He began his life of community service in 1W service when he served at the maximum security prison in Westville, Ind., during the 1950’s.

He was the trade show chairman of the Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events. He served as president of the organization in 1994 and was inducted to its Hall of Fame in 1995. He was a member of the Northern Indiana Johnny Popper Two Cylinder Club and the Northern Indiana Garden Tractors Club. He was a member of St. Andrews Methodist Church in Syracuse, Florida Fly Wheelers Club and had served on the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Board. He also served as president of the LaGrange County 4-H Fair Board for 10 years. He was a 40-year member of the Lions Club and was involved in the New Paris, Howe and Syracuse clubs. He was also a member of the LaGrange Moose. Above all, he was a dedicated and loving family man.

He is survived by his wife: Suzanne Slabach, Syracuse; children: Dean Slabach, Goshen, Ind.; Tammy (Tom) Janes, Ligonier, Ind.; step-son: Lanny Lee Scott, North Webster, Ind.; grandsons: Clay and Chelsea Preston and Drew Preston, both of Ligonier; a step-grandson: Andy (Kelly) Janes, Ligonier; great-step-grandson: Aidan Janes; siblings: Martha (Joe) Raber, Shipshewana, Ind.; Mary (Le Roy) Miller, Topeka, Ind.; Katie (Crist) Miller, Topeka; Lena (Howard) Stutzman, Middlebury; and Freeman (Edna) Slabach, Shipshewana; sister-in-law: Edna Slabach, Shipshewana; and a brother-in-law: Le Roy (La Verda) Miller, Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Ervin Slabach Jr. and Ella Miller.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway S., Ligonier, and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Harvest Community Church, Goshen. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the church. Pastor Ed Beedle of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Violet Cemetery in Goshen.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Syracuse Lion’s Club or Seed To Feed.