Sam L. Silver, 91 died peacefully at home Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family. Born in Bristow, Ok, he was a fun-loving guy from his earliest days. He played the clarinet in high school (go Bristow Purple Pirates!), and he enjoyed lifelong laughter with a group of hometown friends who called themselves the “flatfoot four.” While attending the University of Oklahoma, Sam belonged to the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity and met the love of his life—his wife of 68 years, Erlene Shoshone Silver. Following graduation and marriage, Sam worked for Erlene’s family at Rosenfield’s Jewelers. When the family sold the business in 1954, Sam continued to work as President of Shoshone Building and Lester Investments until his death. He also formed his own successful business ventures over the years—including Silver Collections and the credit department at AMC.
Over the course of his life, Sam with his wife Erlene (who passed in 2018) built a sizable family together. They were the proud parents of four children, grandparents to six grandchildren, and great-grandparents of one great -grandchild. Sam was a kind and reliable source of support for the entirety of his family—always curious about their lives, and always ready with a smile or a laugh. While his family was his first love, everyone who met Sam knew that OU football was a close second. He attended every home game he could throughout his life. Even the night before his death he imagined that he was watching OU play LSU, cheering passionately when he saw a touchdown. We hope the actual game is as exciting as the one he got to see. Sam’s third great love was for the Temple B’nai Israel. Before his passing, he was the oldest living past president. He proudly led the former presidents into services this past Yom Kippur. His spirt was especially lifted by the beautiful music of Zemer Linda Sweeney. Sam’s greatest legacy to all who knew him was as a steadfast source of love, kindness, and support. We will keep him with us forever.
Sam is survived by his children; Gay (Larry) Hellman, Robert Silver, David (Peggy) Silver, Ann (Laurence) Scharff, 6 grandchildren; Eli (Leslie) Hellman, Max Hellman, Morgan Silver (Tyler Kirk), Jennie Silver, Sam Scharff, Ben Scharff and great grandson, Ethan Hellman. Sam was also blessed this last week to have the loving care and devotion of his daughter Ann, a professional hospice nurse, along with his wonderful caregiver, Helen Dawson. A special thanks to the caregivers, Barbara Booker, LaSanya Bowler, Monica Mwaura and to the staff of Centennial Hospice. Together they made sure he attained his greatest wish to remain in the familiar comforts of his home.
Sam will be buried at Temple B’nai Cemetery, 11:30 am, Sunday, December 15 with the memorial service and reception following at 2pm at Temple B’nai Israel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam’s honor to The Rick Black Music Fund at Temple B’nai Israel.
