Melville T. "Tom" Silver

LEIPSIC OHIO – Melville T. "Tom" Silver passed away peacefully at 12:05 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2023, in Lima at the age of 90.  The Lord carried him in the comfort of His arms when the burden of vascular dementia was too great.

He was born on March 25, 1932, in St. Marys to the late Isabelle C.  and Melville W. Silver.  He was Baptized April 1935 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in St. Marys.

He is survived by his son, Mark (Charlotte), grandchildren, Matt and Brooke.  Daughter, Melissa, grandchildren, Chris, Derick, and Jade.  He is also survived by his sister, Mary "Lelajo" Reineke, brother-in-law, Joseph Reineke and sister-in-law, Dorothy Silver. His brother, Berry Silver, preceded him in death.

Prior to receiving hospice care, Tom nodded and smiled when his son asked if he was ready to be with Mom again.  He held his son's hand to give comfort and acknowledge he was ready.

He will be laid to rest in Sugar Ridge Cemetery next to his late wife, Barbara, who passed away July 22, 2018.  He missed her dearly; she was his best friend for over 60 years.  They worked together at Phillips Corporation in Ottawa and retired after 30+ years.

Tom served in the U.S. Army and bravely fought in the Korean War.  He received a Purple Heart. He wore his Korean War Veteran hat with great pride.

On June 11, 2019, he had the privilege of taking One More Tour with Honor on Flag City's Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials. It was an experience he said he would never forget.  He received a Good Conduct Metal upon his return of which he said it was the first good conduct pin he ever received.

In the fall of 2018 at The Fort Fest in Fort Jennings he was an honorary flight member on flight 22 in a restored American Huey 369 helicopter from the museum in Peru Indiana.  He said, "It's the first time I flew in one of these sitting up."

On August 8, 2013, the flag of United States of America was flown over the Pentagon in Washington D.C. in his honor. He was a member of American Legion Post 287 in Leipsic.

It gave him much joy to share his artistic talent.  He enjoyed sketching, drawing, and wood burning art. Sharing his unique works of art with others gave him enjoyment and topic of conversion.

Tom never met a stranger. He was known by his family and friends to be a man with a gracious and giving heart.

He loved a good cup of black coffee.  So next time you grab a cup, make a toast in his honor and memory.

Arrangements for a private family service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023, burial will follow in Sugar Ridge Cemetery with military rites by Leipsic American Legion.  Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic.

Memorial contributions can be made to Flag City Honor Flight Inc. P.O. Box 885 Findlay, OH 45839 or flagcityhonorflight.org.

Flag City Honor Flight
Web: http://www.flagcityhonorflight.org