Melvin L. Silvis

Melvin Lloyd Silvis, 91, passed Monday, April 29, 2013, at Parker Personal Care, Parker. He lived his married life in the village of Sandy Hollow but moved to Clarion with his beloved daughter, Brenda, after his home burned in 2000. Melvin was of the Baptist faith and gave the gift of love to his family. Born June 14, 1921, in East Brady; he was the son of James Isaac (aka Isaac James) and Luella Lavina Kamerer Silvis. He was one of 11 children and the last surviving member of his immediate family. Melvin graduated from East Brady High School with the class of 1941. He was nicknamed "Speedy" from his high school football and basketball career and "Speed" or "Speedy" stayed with him his entire life. He married the former June Iola Summerville on October 28, 1942, and was married for 62 years with his darling June passing at age 80 in February 23, 2005. Melvin was a veteran of WWII, enlisting and serving as a proud member of The United States Marine Corps, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. He served in the Asia Pacific Combat Theater from April 3, 1943, through March 8, 1946, being Honorably Discharged at that time. He was awarded numerous medals and accommodations--most notably the Marine Corp Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Silver Star, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Asia Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star. He was a proud Marine and carried that "Marine Pride" his entire life. Melvin enjoyed an active life of sports as a semi-pro fast pitch softball pitcher, as well as many years of industrial and church league softball as both player and coach. Melvin worked for the Limestone Mines in Brady’s Bend and retired as a mobile equipment operator from United States Steel Corporation, Saxonburg. Surviving are one daughter, Brenda Silvis Greksa of Clarion; and two sons, Dennis Silvis and his wife, Ann, of Loudon, TN, and Randall Silvis of Mercer. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren, Greg Greksa and his wife, Amy, of Raleigh, NC; Jeff Greksa and his fiancé, Carmella Covell, of Clarion; Jason Silvis of Bellevue, WA; Megan Silvis Stubblebine and her husband, Rick, of Everett, WA; Jeremy Silvis of Remond, WA; Bret Silvis and his fiancé, Hillary Kosnac, of San Diego, CA; and Nathan Silvis of St. Petersburg; and three precious great-grandchildren, Natalie Lynn Greksa, Lauren Elizabeth Greksa, and Camron Tomas Greksa. His extended family includes his daughters-in-law, Rita McCanna Silvis of St. Petersburg and Susan Reid of LaQuinta, CA; and son-in-law Marty Greksa of Kennerdell. In addition to his parents and wife, June, Melvin was preceded in death by an infant son, Melvin Lloyd Silvis, Jr., on April 21, 1945, and his ten brothers and sisters. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion. Melvin's wishes of no visitation or service will be honored. A celebration of his life will be held at a family gathering around his 92 birthday. He will be buried between his beloved wife, June, and infant son "Little Melvin" at their burial site at the Rimersburg Memorial Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Parker Personal Care, 103 Seward Street, Parker PA 16049, where he made his home with the loving community and caring family his past two years; or to Amedisys Hospice Care, 240 Pullman Square, Suite 255, Butler, PA, who provided excellent care, respect and dignity during Melvin’s last days.

Melvin L. Silvis

June 14, 1921 - April 29, 2013