Bob Silvey

Bob Silvey of Farmington passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2007, at Presbyterian Manor, at the age of 85 years. He was born November 23, 1921, at Flat River, son of the late Delno Silvey and Iva (Bellm) Silvey. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Larry and Leroy Silvey. He proudly served his county with the U. S. Army in World War II, where he was a member of the famed 82nd Airborne Division. The night before the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, he was part of a group of airborne troopers who parachuted behind German lines at Normandy to disrupt enemy defenses. He was wounded three times during the war. He also later served in the National Guard and the Army Reserves. He was the recipient of a number of medals for his wartime service, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Emblem, and an Expert Infantryman Badge. After the war, he was active in a number of organizations and activities to advance the cause of veterans in this area. He was instrumental in having the Veterans Memorial placed in front of the Court House and more recently he was largely responsible for the new Bob Silvey V.A. Outpatient Clinic being located at Farmington. He served multiple terms as commander at the V.F.W. Posts at Ironton and Farmington and the American Legion Post 416 at Farmington, where he played a major role in convincing members to construct a new Legion building about 10 years ago. He was a member of the Farmington Elks, Farmington Masonic Lodge and the First Baptist Church of Farmington. Silvey was a long-time employee of Dixie Mills and later the Nutrena Feed Co. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Wanda Silvey, a daughter, Sherrie, Mrs. Rick Cash of Farmington; 2 granddaughters; Kelli (Brad) Sparr, and Kara (Anthony) Wallace both of Farmington, 4 great-grandchildren, Trent and Alayna Sparr, McKennah and Braxton Wallace, 2 sisters, Thelma Lee Toor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Merle Richards of New Jersey. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive. Bob was a doting father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had an immense love and passion for his family and friends. His past times included taking care of his lawn and garden and sharing his crops around the community in that little blue truck. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Cozean Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, November 20, 2007. A combined VFW and American Legion memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. at the Cozean Chapel with Dr. William Miller and the Rev. Rocky Good officiating. Burial will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens.