SCRANTON — Gary J Silver, Scranton, died Wednesday, March 23, 2022. He was 87.
He was born Feb. 21, 1935, during a blizzard on a farm north of Burlingame, to Clarence and Eva (McPhail) Silver. He graduated from Scranton High School with the Class of 1952. He was a lifelong Scranton and Burlingame area resident.
Gary enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956, and proudly served his country for 30 years, 20 years in the Active Duty Navy and 10 years in the Navy reserves, attaining the rank of Senior Chief Engineman. He served his country during the Vietnam War and was the top member of his basic training class.
Following his military service, Gary worked for several different upholstery companies in Topeka, eventually opening and operating Gary Silver Upholstery out of his garage in Scranton. He was a well-known craftsman in the Topeka area for car dealerships, as well as antique car owns from all over eastern Kansas. He loved his job and was a meticulous craftsman.
Gary was a detailed man, a trait carried over from his military years. He was a proud American and honored to have served his country in the Navy. He loved to hunt, especially pheasant every year in western Kansas with friends and family. He was very health conscious, and would work out for three hours every day up until a few weeks ago.
He was united in marriage to Helen Holm March 28, 1965, in Scranton. They were just nearing their 57th year of marriage before his death.
Gary was an active and dedicated member of the Grace Community Church, Overbrook, serving over the years as a lay leader and former member of the cabinet. He was also a member of Edward Ted Row Post # 2709, Scranton, and Post 400 American Legion, Topeka.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Silver, Scranton; a son, Kenneth Silver (Kimberly), Scranton; two brothers, Lynn E Silver (Dona), Burlingame, and Don Silver (Jan), Carbondale; a granddaughter, Kelsey Silver, Topeka; and many close friends, nieces, nephews, and extended and adopted family members.
Memorial services were Saturday, April 9, at Grace Community Church, Overbrook. Interment followed at Scranton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon’s or Grace Community Church and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413.
Condolences may be left at Lamb-Roberts.com.