Mr. Richard Thomas "Taterbug" Slankard, age 75, of Golconda, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2015 at the Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis with Ron Griffith officiating and military rites.Mr. Slankard married Joyce Hemphill on June 24, 1966. Taterbug owned and operated Exit 37 Truck Repair for over 21 years, was a member of the Dixon Springs Church of Christ and a Marine Corp veteran. He and Joyce managed Monday Night Live music and dancing at the Metropolis Community Center for the past 7 years.Taterbug is survived by his wife of 48 ½ years, Joyce of Golconda, IL; children, Richard Neeley and companion Jeri Weakley of Texas, Patti Dodson and husband Jerry of Jonesboro, AR, Greg Bowman and wife Jean of Brookport, IL, Steve Bowman of Fulton, KY, Randy Slankard of Golconda, IL, and Shawn Slankard and companion Bridget Mounce of Golconda, IL; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Naomi Simms of Hannibal, MO.He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Fay (Oaks) Slankard; 1 sister, Sandy McCandless. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home.Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.