Robert Lee Sloan, 65, of Baldwin Road, Morehead, Kentucky, known to friends, fans and others as Bob Sloan, came to the end of his life Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at his home. Born May 31, 1947, in Muncie, Indiana, he was the son of the late Robert Sloan and Marjorie Martt Sloan, both of Rowan County. Bob is survived by his wife, Julie; in-laws Gisela and Carter Brooks of south Florida; son, Rob of Indianapolis, Indiana, and stepson, Shannon (Natalie) of Georgetown, South Carolina; one brother, Tom (Robin) Sloan of Muncie, Indiana; and one sister, Joy (Dave) Campbell of Daleville, Indiana. Twice Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving intermittently from 1964 - 1985, immediately following high school and again after studying creative writing at Purdue University and in New Orleans. Bob was also employed in social work in Kentucky and Minnesota and in computer systems at a regional hospital. During those times, as he wrote continually to friends, he never lost sight of his declaration at age 11 to become a writer. Memories gained from his early childhood on a farm in Rowan County owned by his grandparents, then his parents, and where he has lived since 1986, served as a backdrop for most of his works focusing on the history and culture of Appalachia. Bob's published works include two novels, a collection of short stories and numerous articles and commentary in various other media including his website, bobsloansampler.com. Bob was a guest columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader; his commentaries have been on radio and television including National Public Radio stations and featured on NPR's Morning Edition, WMMT, WMKY, WKYT, and CSPAN's Book TV. Nationally recognized, Bob was the recipient of a Gold Medal from the Faulkner Society of New Orleans, and a PRNDI from the professional association of public radio news directors. In addition to his literary contributions, Bob had many social causes and will be remembered for his active and supportive role in Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the Enex Cemetery with Rev. Cecil Ison officiating and military honors presented by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126. Following the service, a picnic celebration of Bob's life will take place at his home. Visitation is 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Southern Poverty Law Center at www.splcenter.org Visitation: Friday, April 19, 2013, from 6 p.m - 9 p.m. Funeral: Saturday, April 20, 2013, Enox Cemetery Interment: Enox Cemetery