In early January 1943, Slocum's wife died at age 57, and his own health subsequently declined. Slocum died in early May 1943, at age 59. When he died, numerous baseball writers recalled his willingness to mentor up-and-coming writers, his knowledge of sports, and especially, his love for baseball. As one former colleague wrote, "Few men who ever wrote baseball had as many friends among players and writers, and he will be missed in the press boxes, clubhouses, and the dugouts."Frank Graham, "Setting the Page," Bangor (Maine) Daily News, May 10, 1943, p. 14. Slocum's funeral was attended by dignitaries (including Ford Frick, then-president of baseball's National League), radio executives, and fellow journalists."Many Attend Funeral of Bill Slocum," Hartford Courant, May 9, 1943, section 4, p.1.
