Richard E. Silvers Sr.

June 19, 1939 - November 23, 2020

Richard E. Silvers, Sr., 81, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, November 23, 2020, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born June 19, 1939, in Mahaska County, the son of Guy Earl and Ruby McNeese Silvers. He attended country school in southern Mahaska County. Following school, he worked in area coal mines for a few years. He later returned to the family farm and farmed for several years. In 1958, he was united in marriage to Marsha Schwab. After several years of marriage Richard and Marsha divorced. Richard continued to work in agriculture for various farmers in southern Iowa. On November 17, 1990, he was united in marriage to Patricia Beadle in Oskaloosa. Following their marriage, the two of them worked as a team driving semi over the road. They started out working for Lynn’s Poultry in Oskaloosa and later worked for several other trucking companies. In 2002, after many miles together and seeing the lower 48 states the two of them decided to retire from trucking. He was a member of Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. He was also a member of the Poppin Johnnies of Southeast Iowa. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. In retirement he enjoyed gardening and tinkering in his garage. His family includes his wife of over 30 years, Patricia Silvers of Oskaloosa; six children, Richard Silvers, Jr. of Oskaloosa, Pam Sanders of Oskaloosa, Judy (Mike) Visser of Oskaloosa, Guy (Julie) Silvers of Fairfield, Steve (Lisa) Silvers of Lancaster, Missouri, and Lois (Rick) Wright; a step son, Daniel Miller of Grinnell; two brothers, Jerry (Barb) Silvers of Fairfield and David (Cathy) Silvers of Ollie, Iowa; and a sister, Dixie (Ray) Engle of Fairfield; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and one on the way; one great great grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Timothy Silvers; a great granddaughter, Gabriella Madrid; two brothers, Merle Silvers and James Silvers; and a sister Charlene Beach. A memorial service will be held for Richard at a later date. As was his wish his body has been cremated and no visitation is planned. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.