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1932 - 2008
 Thomas Albert Silvear at the age of 76 passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at a local hospital. He was born on June 12, 1932 in Carmel, California to Edwin & Rachel Silvear. Thomas was a retired from the U.S. Marine Corp serving in Korea, and Vietnam. He married Ann Seward. Major Thomas Silvear had an honored and distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps. Thomas enlisted at age 18 and went straight from basic training at Camp Pendleton to Korea where he was part of "Dog" Company, 2/1, 1st Marine Division. he made the Inchon landing and fought at the Chosin Reservoir. After attending Officers Candidate School in Quantico, VA, Thomas was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1958 and promoted to First Lieutenant in 1959. He was assigned to 1st Recon Battalion, then part of the Marine contingent aboard a USN cruiser before serving as a recruiting officer in Denver for two years. In May, 1966 he deployed to Vietnam as the Company Commander of "India" Company, 3/26. He returned in 1970 as an advisor to the Vietnamese Marines. His unique sense of humor will be remembered and missed by many. Among his many honors and commendations fro valor, Thomas was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (with three stars) , Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Color (with Palm), and the Naval Observer Wings. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean and husband Terry of Wilkinson of Carmel, CA and his delightful Aunt Alice Dodge of Soquel, CA.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 24 years Ann Silvear of Kerrville; 7 children son retired USMCR Sgt Maj and San Jose police detective Brian Christian and wife Arita of San Jose, CA., daughter retired USAF veteran Adrienne Acoba and husband Major Michael Acoba of Tuscon, AZ., daughter BethAnn Newton and husband David, a US Coast Guard veteran of Emerald, NC.,daughter Susan and husband USMC Col. Michael Jordon of MacDill AFB, FL., son Thomas A. Silvear II of Houston, daughter Jennifer Spivey of San Diego, CA., and son Mark Spivey and wife Giselle of Houston, TX; 4 grandchildren Amanda Keesler of Jefferson City, Mo., Brittany Jordon of MacDill, FL., Tyler and Maddie Layne both of Houston, TX.; 2 great grandsons Jordan and Ayden Keesler both of Jefferson City, MO. and many nieces, nephews and many other family members and friends who love him will miss him.
Memorial services will be held 2pm, Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Veterans Cemetery in Kerrville, TX (Spur 100)with full military honors.
Lieu of Flowers memorials can be to the Vietnam Veterans of America Hill Country Chapter 863 in Kerrville, Texas(P.O. Box 291704, Kerrville, TX. 78029).
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at the Peterson Regional Medical Center of Kerrville, TX for their compassionate help and support.
The family invites friends to join them at the Silvear home for a bar-b-que celebrating Tom's life immediately following the services. |
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There are currently 15 condolences.
James Roberts
rakealito@gmail.com
Monday April 20, 2009 at
10:45 PM
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Ann, I just learned of Tom's passing. He lead a remarkable life as many of the notes give testament to. Perhaps some day we can share some of his stories as alas I never got to meet him--only heard about him from afar. May you and your family celebrate his life tomorrow with joy in your hearts for the life he lived.
Jim Roberts--Portland, Oregon
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Rick Staples
rstaples@kc.rr.com
Sunday December 7, 2008 at
7:37 PM
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It is with great sadness that I have learned of Major Tom's passing. We are blessed that such men have lived at all.To be lucky enough to have shared time with such a man, and to be in his company was a great gift. Only those lucky enough to have known the Major will have any idea what a loss this truly is. My sincere condolences to the entire Silvear family.
Rick Staples
Overland Park Kansas
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Amanda Keesler
Wednesday December 3, 2008 at
8:04 AM
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Miss Ann, I'm sorry to hear of our loss. I will miss Granddad so much. You are in my thoughts and prayers, I will call as soon as I can. I miss you and love you. God Bless ~ Amanda & The Boys
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Frances Wimberly
Wednesday December 3, 2008 at
12:12 AM
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Mrs. Silvear; you probably don't remember me but I was your meter reader and met you in the carport one day. Enjoyed talking with you all and your husband was such a gentleman and so friendly; loved the cats; big fat ones and i love people who love cats. We just have an understanding. He told me that one my wife and I got in NC and it came with a bag of food. I know that he is in Heaven still looking after you. You are welcome to come by anytime as we share a do it yourself decorating which he said he wished you and I could meet and finally we did.
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Shannon and Alan Drost
Monday December 1, 2008 at
9:22 PM
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Ann - Alan and I were both saddened to hear of Major Tom's passing. He was truly one of kind and we are so pleased that we had a chance to get to know him. If there is ever anything we can do for you, please let us know.
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Tara Hildebrand
thildebrand@baicltd.com
Monday December 1, 2008 at
5:15 PM
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Ann My heart goes out to you. Tom was a One of a Kind , I will never meet another man like him. He will be greatly missed.
Love Always, Tara
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Irene Salazar
Monday December 1, 2008 at
4:57 PM
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, God Bless.
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Monday December 1, 2008 at
2:51 PM
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Craig j Louis
Monday December 1, 2008 at
12:30 PM
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MARK YOUR DAD WILL BE MESS, BUT HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE. GOD BLESS! YOU & YOUR FAMILY.
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Katherine
Monday December 1, 2008 at
9:09 AM
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I would like to convey my sympathy to the family. I am his daughter and son's Aunt from Carmel California.
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johnny and darlene shivar
Sunday November 30, 2008 at
1:10 PM
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Ann, we just want you to know that we are so sorry to read about Tom's death. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We would love to hear from you, we're at 1731 Pony Farm Road, Jax,nc,28540. Please know we are sorry for your loss.
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Katherine von Meier (McKenney/Shea)
Saturday November 29, 2008 at
11:40 PM
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Adrienne and Brian's Aunt and their cousins in California send our sympathy to the extended family.
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Frank Mousser
Friday November 28, 2008 at
11:26 AM
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Ann, i was sorry to hear the new,s about the major.I always enjoyed his company here at the dealership being a former Marine we always had alot to talk about and i will miss his stories about the old corps as well as miss him.SEMPER FI MAJOR SILVEAR.
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Rob McCutcheon
Wednesday November 26, 2008 at
9:14 PM
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Ann,
All of our symphathy and hope for comfort at this time. If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to call.
We'll miss him, Rob
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Rob and Janice McCutcheon
Wednesday November 26, 2008 at
1:32 PM
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Ann and family, We were so sad to hear of Tom's passing. Please know you are in our prayers and thoughts. If there is anything we can do, please feel free to call. The boys have such great stories to tell about Tom just in the short time we knew him. Every day when they were working on the roof they would come home with some great story he would share with them. We will remember him fondly and with gratitude for the fine man he was.
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