Please note: The graveside for Lowell may be seen on the video player below starting at 12:48.

Dr. Lowell Slyter, age 82 of rural Aurora, SD, passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls on Sunday, September 8, 2024.  Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 12th at Brookings First Assembly of God.  Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Wednesday, September 11th at Eidsness Funeral Home.  Burial will be 2:00 PM on Friday, September 13th in Fontana, Kansas.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family so they may be given to a donation of their choice. The funeral will be livestreamed here: Lowell's Funeral .  Unfortunately, there were some technical issues during the recording of the service, you may find Travis's eulogy during the service in written form at the end of the obituary text.

Dr. Lowell Slyter was born near Havre, Montana, on October 23rd, 1941.  He was the youngest of four sons and moved to Paola, Kansas, at age four.  He was active in 4H and FFA showing sheep, cattle and horses. After graduating from Paola High School, Lowell earned a BS degree in Animal Science at Kansas State University in 1964. During college he competed in several rodeo events and his love of horses continued his entire life. Lowell married his college sweetheart, Sondra Furey, in 1964 in Manhattan, Kansas. He earned his MS degree at the University of Nebraska in 1966 and returned to K-State for his Ph.D. degree in 1969.

In 1970, Lowell took a research position with South Dakota State University and was stationed in Rapid City.  In 1972, Lowell and Sondra moved to Brookings, South Dakota, for a teaching and research position at SDSU where he pioneered research in fall lambing techniques. In addition to teaching numerous classes, "Doc" Slyter advised many students, taking a personal interest in each one.  He was Block and Bridal Club advisor and won 2 National Championships as coach for the wool-judging team before retiring in 2001 as Professor Emeritus.

Lowell served on the Board of Trustees for the South Dakota Retirement System for 19 years.

Lowell was a relentless promoter of the sheep industry via regional broadcasting and national conference appearances. He was editor of The Sheep and Goat Research Journal for 8 years.

Lowell was an IFYE delegate to Jamaica and continued his international work helping to build churches, schools and housing in Spain and Guatemala. Lowell loved church. He taught Sunday School for over 40 years and served as deacon, worship leader and outpost commander for the Royal Ranger program for boys.  Lowell also loved music. He played trombone, guitar and was known as "The Singing Cowboy" performing in nursing homes for many years.

In February of 2024, Lowell and Sondra celebrated 60 years of marriage and he lived on their acreage near Aurora, South Dakota until his homecoming on September 8th, 2024.  He will be remembered for his unshakable strength of character, his relentless commitment to excellence, and his unbridled drive to teach and serve.

Lowell is survived by his wife Sondra, two sons Trent (Kim) and Travis (Jackie), his brother David (Georgiea), and his sister-in law Pat. He was preceded in death by his father Harry, his mother Helen and his brothers Leslie and Stanley (Wilma).

Lowell Slyter Eulogy – Travis Slyter
Delivered Thursday, September 12, 2024
Brookings First Assembly of God Church, Brookings, SD

For those of you that I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, I am Travis, Lowell's younger son.
On behalf of the Slyter family, my mother Sondra and my brother Trent, I want to thank each and every one of
you for being here today and also for those watching and listing live or via recording. If you are a part of this
service, you loved my Dad and my Dad loved you. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our
lives. The love, respect and admiration from people across the country, and thanks to Dad's missionary work,
from around the world has been truly amazing and is such a comfort during this difficult time.

In doing the research for Dad's obituary, it was incredibly difficult to try to capture more than 80 years of
excellence in just a few paragraphs. But it was also very rewarding to revisit landmarks and milestones on
Dad's journey home. I still learned several things about him that I did not know previously. I was both amazed
and overwhelmed by my Dad's breadth of impact and his variety of interests: Agriculture, academics, sports,
music, art, camping/outdoor activities and of course faith and family. The tribute highlighted Dad's public life
and focused mostly on those first several passions due to time/space constraints. However, I would like to speak
briefly today on those last two items: Faith and family.

My father was a perfectionist. He had extremely high standards and never expected anyone to live up to any
measure that he was not striving to archive himself. He gave 110% to his public endeavors and somehow still
was able to give more than 1,000% to his family.

There were several occasions throughout his life where he had the opportunity to make a major professional
change and greatly increase his financial compensation. Unfortunately many of these opportunities required
that he travel extensively or work nights and weekends. My Dad's reason for politely declining any of these
offers he was not comfortable with was always the same: There will never be enough money on the table to
sacrifice time with God and my family. I'd like to highlight a few of the things he was protecting from these
faith and family-first decisions.

My Dad was an incredible facilitator, mentor and cheerleader. He did everything you would expect a great
father to do. He never missed one of Trent's football games or drum concerts nor any of my Basketball games
or theater performances. But as always, Dad's sacrifices behind the scenes were greater than those that were
outwardly visible. He didn't just come to the performances, he provided rides to and from practices. Dad
invested whatever money was needed for instruments, clothes, shoes, equipment, camps, travel, etc. Dad would
hold us accountable to make sure we were pursing our activities with excellence. This included some hardfought basketball games in the driveway. Every so often he would say "Alight son, let's see what you've got
today." [Audience Laughter]

Dad was a fierce competitor and never let us win at any game or sport. We had to earn victory, but when we
did, no one was more proud or supportive. Often times Mom would question Dad for being too hard on my
brother or myself. She would say "Lowell, can't you just take it easy on the boys and let them win just one
time?" Dad's reply was always the same. "They have to learn how to lose sometime"…. [Audience Laughter]
They won't appreciate victory until they have tasted defeat." Dad and I played pool in our basement game room
almost every week and I was well into high school before I beat him. Dad shook my hand and said,
"Congratulations son, well done." I only ever beat him 3 times, but when I did, it meant something. I also
realized that Dad's tough competition was teaching us how to win and lose with the same reaction: Grace,
dignity and sportsmanship.

Dad also did many things that you would not expect. For example, despite Sundays being his busiest day of the
week teaching Sunday School, leading worship, handling church business and being a deacon, every Sunday am
he would get up early to watch one bible teaching and one gospel music program. When I was little, I got up
early to watch Saturday morning cartoons every week and originally went out to see if there were any cartoons
on Sunday mornings as well that I could watch before church preparations. I found my Dad in the family room
watching TV with his Bible open. He was a bit surprised to see me the first time, but just opened his arms, let
me crawl up on his lap and we watched the programs together. That turned in to a private tradition we had for
many years. I later came to realize that early Sunday morning time was a rare chance for my Dad to have some
peace and quiet inside the house. (He had many solitary horse rides where he would pray and think.) I realized
as I got older that I was probably intruding on his peace and quiet, but he never said a word and welcomed me
with open arms. In fact if a Sunday morning arrived and I was not out with him by a certain time, he would
come to my bedroom and check on me to see if I was sick. We never missed a Sunday morning growing up.

Incredibly after our time together, Dad would then go to the kitchen and cook a full Sunday pancake breakfast
for the family. This served two important functions, one obvious and one not so obvious. First, it helped
coordinate the craziness of Sunday morning preparations as everyone scrambled to get up, shower, get dressed
and double-check to make sure our Sunday school lessons were done. Remember Sunday school lessons?
[Various Audience Reactions] Where have those gone? For many people in the audience or watching, Sunday
school itself is a foreign concept, [Audience chuckles] so I think I need to clarify that term. Sunday School
lessons were written homework that you would complete and bring to class with you and discuss each week. No
completed lessons, no discussions. No discussions meant a long, awkward hour of Sunday school and serious
consequences at home.

But there was second reason for Dad take taking over the breakfast duties from my Mom, the devoted
homemaker. [Pointing to Sondra] By the way, I use the term homemaker with utmost respect and appreciation
even though that title is no longer politically correct. God bless all of the homemakers! Second, Dad cooking
breakfast on Sunday mornings took pressure off Mom and allowed her extra time to get ready and both feel and
look her best. Just other small example of how Dad served EVERYONE, including and especially his family.
And despite Dad's incredible schedule, we had family devotions EVERY MORNING, even on Sundays!
As I look back on Dad's legacy, I can honestly say my Dad was larger than life. We throw that phrase "larger
than life" around quite a bit these days, often for three reasons. Some people are considered larger than life
because of a loud, demonstrative, over-the-top personality. Others are larger than life because they have an
imposing physical presence due to physical size, strength and or speed. Still others are said to be larger than life
because of their "brand." I.e. 21st Century speak for fame and fortune.

As with so many things in his life, my Dad was the exception to rule, but the example of the principle. What do
I mean by that? My Dad WAS larger than life, but he was NOT a loud or demonstrative personality. He never
yelled, even when he was extremely angry or frustrated. He was a good athlete, but certainly NOT physically
impressive in size, strength or speed. As for his fortune and fame, we lived comfortably as Dad always
provided, even when it meant working extra jobs doing veterinary work when needed to make ends meet or pay
for special occasions like Christmas and Birthdays. (I learned later that we were lower middle class, but thanks
to Dad we never knew it.)

Now Dad WAS Famous, but not because he had his name in lights, but because EVERYONE seemed to know
him. You can't believe how many times we would be out at restaurant, a store or even on a cross-country trip
and he would bump into someone that knew him. But not for his awards and accomplishments, but because
Dad took an interest in EVERYONE. When those interactions where finished, we would privately ask Dad
"Who was that?" or How do you know that person?" Dad would reply not only with a name, but with a minibiography with details about their family, location, jobs, timeframes, etc.

My Dad WAS Larger than Life because of his Faith. When life's storms raged around him, Dad rose above the
wind and waves with his unshakable faith and optimism. He had a relentless "CAN DO" attitude that was
anchored to the Rock of Ages. When blessings came, Dad rose above the accolades and temptations to "Believe
His Own Press." and be full of himself. Dad remained humble and hungry to learn so he could teach. When
awards were presented, Dad gave God [Pointing Up] all of the glory and Mom [Pointing to Sondra] all of the
credit.

What a man, what life, what legacy!

How could a single human do so MANY things with such Excellence?

In June I was driving Dad to one of his many medical appointments in Sioux Falls which is a one hour drive
each way. The drive was actually a nice chance just spend time with Dad and chat. About 10 miles north of
Sioux Falls there is big hill where you get a great view of the Northern plains. As we crested the hill, Dad
looked out the window at the vast prairie and breathed a big sigh and said, "Trav, I never thought I would end
up here…. I am so tired, why am I so tired?" Without thinking, I responded, "You know a thing or to, because
you seen a thing or two and you've done a thing or two." Dad chuckled. Now that was an inside joke with the
family as Jack, my Father-In-Law, is a Farmer's Insurance Agent and that is Farmer's tag-line. [Looking out in
the audience.] Jack, you can tell corporate, their marketing campaign is working, that slogan really sticks with
you! [Audience Laugher] I continued by saying "Dad, you've been going full speed in 5 different directions
for more than 80 years. I have only been here for just over half that and I am exhausted just trying to keep up
with you!" [Audience Laugher] Dad laughed and said "Yeah, it's been a fast trip with a lot of twists and turns.
I am really not sure what around the next corner."

And that brings me to this. [Pointing to a wooden desk sign on the pulpit]

Then What?

My Dad's office door at South Dakota State University was always open, both figuratively and literally. As
kids, we would sometimes swing thru the office as Dad needed to pick-up something or run a quick work
errand. I remember looking around his office at the vast bookshelves of academic journals, textbooks and
research documents. Dad also loved Western Art so there were a lot of sculptures and western paintings around
the room. And Dad loved funny or thoughtful quips and quotes. He would have a few on his bulletin board and
few more on his filing cabinets. One of his favorites was "For God So Loved the World That He Did Not Send
a Committee." [Audience Laugher] Dad a was a big fan of Reader's Digest and Joke/Thought of the Day
calendars and you could usually find one and/or the other somewhere on his desk as at all times. On one his
several filling cabinets was this sign [Pointing to the Pulpit] that said "Then What?" It was positioned in such a
way that you saw it both going in and out of the office. Most of Dad's signs or quotes were pretty straight
forward, but this one puzzled me for several years until I finally just relented and asked Dad, "Dad, what's the
deal with that sign by the door, Then What? I don't get it." Dad replied, "Well son, that is the final exam for
my advisees." I blurted a question in response, "Wait, you actually give an exam to your advisees?" Dad
replied matter of factly, "Of Course." [Audience Laugher]

To understand my response, you need to know that my Dad was known everywhere for giving EXTREMELY
difficult tests. Two quick examples: First, Dad's idea of a good multiple choice question had five or six
possibilities and a line or two underneath. There would usually be two or three correct answers, one or two
wrong answers and one or two combination answers like All of the Above or None of the Above. Dad wanted
you to not only SELECT an answer but DEFEND your answer. Technically these questions were not multiple
choice, but in fact short answer. However, Dad believed DEFENDING your answer made you think and
APPLY your skills more than just reciting facts and figures.

Another quick example of Dad's tough tests. He gave pop quizzes in all of his classes. Yes, you heard me
correctly. POP QUIZES IN COLLEGE! Part of this was to help ensure regular attendance, but again Dad was
always impressing on his students the importance for being prepared to face unexpected challenges at any time.
One of the pop quizzes that he gave EVERY class went like this. Dad would announce there was going to be a
pop quiz and ask that everyone close all of their books and notes. He would then hand the quiz out face down
and instruct the students not to turn the quiz over until he said to begin. Dad then informed the students the quiz
would be timed and when he said "Time's Up", students were to turn in their quizzes on their way out the door
as class was dismissed.

The quiz consisted of 3 or 4 short answer questions and the instructions at the top of the page specifically said
"Do not begin this quiz until you have read everything COMPLETELY." At the bottom of the quiz was the rest
of the instructions. "Do not fill out this quiz. Simply turn it over and sign your name." After about 60 seconds,
Dad would announce "Time's Up" much to the shock and bewilderment of many students who were feverishly
writing. Dad then said something else shocking. "Please turn in your quiz on your way out the door and I will
give you your grade as you leave. This was a pass/fail quiz and either you followed directions or you didn't. It
will take me only a few seconds to determine your grade." [Various Audience Reactions]

Dad had a way with object lessons of making a complicated lesson very simple. So needless to say with Dad's
test-giving track record, I was extremely intrigued to hear his explanation of the final exam, "Then What?"
Dad explained. "During the course of advising a student, we talk a lot about goals and plans and at some point
in our relationship we have a conversation that will go this way:"

Dad – What are your plans and goals for the future?
Student – Well, I'd like to major in xyz and I need to take these classes to get my degree.
Dad – Then What?
Student – I'll probably go to grad school and study xyz.
Dad – Then What?
Student – I'd like to get a position doing xyz.
Dad – Then What?
Student – Well, eventually I'd like to start a family.
Dad – Then What?
Student – I want to have my own business someday.
Dad – Then What?
Student – Eventually I want to retire and travel.
Dad – Then What?
Student – Well, I don't know….I guess I'll die.
Dad – Then What?............
[Pointing to the casket]
Then What?...........

Friends, I am not here today to preach at you. And I am not trying to steal Pastor Gerry's thunder. You will be
hearing from a wonderful man in just a minute. But if my Dad were today and he knew he had only one more
conversation with you, he would want to know if you had an answer to the final exam……More specifically, he
would want to know if you had THE answer…….

You see I watched my Dad ace his final exam last Sunday morning. Trent and I were on each side of Dad
holding his hands. After several minutes of inactivity, Dad's hand suddenly squeezed mine tightly and his eyes
opened wide with amazement. The only other time I have ever seen my Dad's eyes that wide with surprise that
was when we surprised Mom and Dad with their 50th Wedding Celebration and he walked into a room filled
with friends and family and was completely shocked. Last Sunday Dad's head swiveled back and forth as if he
was scanning a large crowd of people, and then he turned his head towards me and looked at me as if to say
"Are you seeing this?" I was not because Dad was not reacting to anything in that hospital room. And then Dad
looked up very high and his eyes got even bigger and a single tear ran down his check. His lip quivered and his
cheeks twitched as if he were try to speak. Then Dad smiled slightly and closed his eyes and breathed his last. I
truly believe that we witnessed Dad crossing over to see family, friends and ultimately Jesus for the first time.
Only then was I able to rest in the peace of God knowing Dad had passed his final exam with flying colors.
My humble request today is that each of us will do Dad one final favor.

[Pointing to the sign on the pulpit]

If you don't have an answer for the final exam or if your answer is not what it should be, please make it right as
soon as you can…..

Dad's ultimate wish for today is that when the rest of us each reach our final exam, we'll be ready…

Thank you, we love you and as Dad would say, "Happy trails until we meet again here, there or in the air.