Herman Edward "Ed" Silkwood

Herman Edward Silkwood, 86, of Poplar Bluff, was born Feb. 20, 1930 in Poplar Bluff and departed this life Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, to join his sweet wife, Mary and those friends and family who have gone before him. Ed was a true gentlemen who greeted everyone with a smile and taught us all by his example of kindness, grace, and friendship. His personality and his love for others was genuine and he continued to share his infectious smile and laugh with us even in his final days. He loved a good joke, a bag of Fritos, and a cup of hot coffee, and sharing a really good jelly donut with his grandsons.

Ed grew up in Poplar Bluff and St. Louis and joined the Navy after graduation from Poplar Bluff High School. He served eight years and was a radar man aboard the USS New Jersey during the Korean Conflict. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou Felts, and they made their permanent home in Poplar Bluff. Following his military service, Ed attended Gradwohl School of Laboratory Technique and started work as a Lab Technician for Doctors Hospital in 1956. That career would span seven decades until his retirement in 2011 from Doctors Regional Medical Center as Laboratory Director. Ed loved his job, but his passion was for his fellow hospital employees, especially the lab staff. They were truly his second family. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Effie Silkwood; his wife, Mary Silkwood, daughter, Tracey Walker: and brothers, Jack Silkwood and George Silkwood.

He is survived by his son, Blake Silkwood, and his wife, Laura, of Milan, Ohio; grandsons: Colin Silkwood, Huron, Ohio, and Derek Silkwood, Cincinnati, Ohio; sister, Mamie Greer, and her husband, John, of Poplar Bluff; brother, Paul Silkwood, Springfield, Mo., and many special nephews, nieces and their children and grandchildren.

The Silkwood family is profoundly grateful to the many relatives, friends, and hospital co-workers who continued to visit Ed during his last few years. Our heartfelt thanks also to the staff of Cedargate Healthcare who treated Ed with love and respect. He was blessed by all of you.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, at the First Baptist Church with funeral service following at 11 a.m. Dr. William Vail will officiate. Burial will be in the Woodlawn section of the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff or Gideons International.