Frederick “Fred” “Sly” M. Slyford, 76, of Fort Wayne, departed from this life on Sunday, November 30, 2025. He was born to the late Frederick John Grant and Dorothy Jean (Thompson) Slyford on March 8, 1949, in Port Huron, MI.

He graduated from South Side High School and IPFW with a degree in Civil Engineering. Fred retired from GTE/Verizon Communications in 2003 after 33 years of service.

Fred knew no stranger. His smile and his laughter made everyone feel welcomed and loved. He was very passionate about painting and creating art and he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his creativity with others. He loved his family very deeply and he loved his country. He was funny, kind, thoughtful, loving, courageous, supportive, giving and always willing to lend a helping hand. Fred shared his life with his family and his special little dog Rudy, enjoying music, Cubs baseball, tennis, being on the lake, traveling to Florida, Corvettes, thrifting, poetry, and trivia.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Slyford; children Angela Slentz and Adam (Suzanne) Slyford; bonus children, Heather Beard, Ryan Patterson, Blake Patterson and Leslie (Dustin) Borchers; grandchildren Rowan Tinker, Pearl Slentz, Emerson Slyford, Grant Slyford, Gavin Beard, Hudson Beard, Corbin Beard, Audrina Patterson, McKenna Patterson, Alex Burns, Ailey Borchers and Deacon Borchers; siblings, David (Barb Weitzman) Slyford and Greg Slyford; and a host of relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm for visitation & gathering, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm with words from Pastor Ron Williams and stories and memories shared by family and friends at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services (6557 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Fred was very passionate about supporting and contributing to this organization over the years.