Jackie Wayne Silkwood

March 1930 – October 2012

Jackie “Jack” W. Silkwood was born in West Frankfort, Illinois on March 27, 1930 to Marion and Bertie Silkwood, he was the youngest of 9 children. Jack passed away peacefully at his home in Hanford with his family at his side on Wednesday, October 31, 2012.

Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jack joined the U.S. Air Force in 1947 proudly serving his country for 20 plus years and another 20 years in Civil Service for the Department of Defense at NAS Lemoore. While he was in the Air Force, his best buddy introduced him to the love of his life; Mary. They have been blessed with 60 beautiful years of marriage. Together they had four children; Jack, Gorden, Rebecca and Boyd. In his retirement, Jack was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society; Daffodil Days for years and volunteer for the Veteran’s Administration Patient Transport Service. Jack enjoyed all his trips with the “Visalia Senior Gadabouts”, and the time with his animals, he was an animal lover all of his life. He liked all sports too. He was an American History fanatic.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, 8 siblings and his oldest son; Jack W. Silkwood, Jr. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years; Mary A. Silkwood of Hanford, California and his beautiful children; son, Gorden (Maria) Silkwood of Hanford, California, daughter, Rebecca (Doug) Nichols of Lemoore and son, Boyd (Regina) Silkwood of Arizona. Jack also leaves behind his wonderful grandchildren; Michael (Olivia) Silkwood of Clovis, California, Nicole (Keith) Nunes of Fresno, Jason Silkwood of Riverdale and Holly (Erick) Pucheu of Tranquility. Jack was cherished by his great-grandchildren; Mason, Chase, Madison Nunes of Fresno and Anneka & Elise Pucheu of Tranquility.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery; 11680 S. 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-3937 with full U.S. Air Force Active Duty Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be sent to Adventist Health Hospice; 460 Kings County Drive, #101, Hanford, CA 93230 559-585-3425 or to the American Cancer Society; www.cancer.org