Obituary of Eugene Sherman Silvey

Eugene “Gene” Sherman Silvey

March 13, 1928 – May 18, 2019

Eugene “Gene” Sherman Silvey was born and raised in Porterville, California.  In 1948, at an outdoor roller rink, he caught the eye of a young woman named Delores “Jean” Beard.  She was impressed with his skating skills, and he was drawn to the mischievous twinkle in her eye.   They married in 1949 and soon thereafter moved to Morenci, Arizona, where they made their lives, took many long hikes, collected many beautiful rocks, and raised their son, Gary, whom they loved very much.  For the next 34 years, Gene worked as a carpenter for Phelps Dodge.  He took pride in his work and was well known for his talent, skill, dedication, and integrity.  He also took pride in caring for his family, and making sure Jean never wanted for anything.  To this end, among countless other things, he handcrafted furniture to display her favorite treasures, jewelry for her to wear, and an automated irrigation system for her garden.  In 1985, Gene and Jean moved to Lake Havasu City to be close to Gary, Gary’s wife Debie, and their four children.  Gene and Jean remained in Lake Havasu the rest of their lives and became integral parts of their grandchildren’s lives.  Gene was a good listener and, after his grandchildren grew up and moved away, he enjoyed having long phone conversations with them.  In these conversations, he offered his thoughts on life and love, grief and death, marriage, friendship, and family. He met his grandchildren wherever they stood, and loved them unconditionally.  He had a quick wit, a contagious laugh, and a fancy for sweets.  Gene also worked for seven years as a custodian at Lake Havasu High School and, for the last fourteen and a half years, had a second family at the Fresenius Dialysis Center.  Of his beloved wife Jean, he once said, “She was always enough,” and it was clear to anyone who knew them that Jean loved him right back, and just as much.  He was a good person, with a big heart, and a family who loved him.    

Gene was born March 13, 1928.  He died on Saturday, May 18, 2019.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, his brother, Leroy, and his sisters, Doris and Deena. He is survived by his half-brother, Robert and Kay Garrett; his son, Gary and Debie Silvey; grandchildren Charlene and Joe Koski; Christy Meek; Chandra and Nathan Reeb, Chad and Rebekah Silvey, and ten great-grandchildren.     

Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.