LINCOLN and ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – Dr. Joe H. Sleeper, 82, husband of Gail (Banton) Sleeper, died Jan 29, 2007, at a Florida health care facility. He was born Aug. 9, 1924, in Herrin, Ill., the son of Ronal and Grace (Hoffestetter) Sleeper. Dr. Sleeper was a veteran of World War II, serving with the 781 tank battalion. After the war, he attended Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where he received his O.D. degree in 1950. He then started his practice in Lincoln, from which he retired 37 years later. He was active on the board of directors with the Maine Optometry Association, was a past Master of Horeb Lodge No. 93, AF & AM and was charter president of the Lincoln Lions Club. He enjoyed being part of the weekly Tuesday noon luncheon club, was active in the First Congregational Church of Lincoln, and a past president of the Congo Men’s Club. He loved to play golf and enjoyed his annual trips to Florida, which he started in 1981. In addition to his wife, Gail, he is survived by two sons, Dr. Howard Sleeper and his wife, Belinda and Scott Sleeper, all of Lincoln; a daughter, Jean Armstrong of Portland; three grandsons, Jonas Sleeper, Tristan Sleeper and Kyle Sleeper; twin great-granddaughters, Kayla and Alissa; three brothers-in-law, Dr. George Banton and his wife, Marie, Louis Hansotte and Arthur Cratty. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Jean Sleeper Cratty and Wilma Hansotte. Services are planned to be in June, at a time to be announced. Interment will be at Lincoln Cemetery. Those who wish may donate in his memory to the First Congregational Church of Lincoln. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com
DR. JOE H. SLEEPER
