Robert Stephen Silver

Silver, Robert Stephen (“Steve”) was born August 11, 1947 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Steve grew up in North Georgia and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp after graduating from high school in 1965. He fought in the Viet Nam War, serving as a helicopter crew chief and was awarded two purple hearts for injuries received in combat. He earned the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1969.

Steve worked for 17 years as a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia. He was shot in the line of duty during a bank robbery and hostage situation and was awarded the City of Atlanta Medal of Honor for his valor.

Steve married Diane Stanton June 3, 1989 in Atlanta, Georgia. They moved to Orlando in January 1992. On February 9, 1997, they were baptized together at College Park Baptist Church (now known as Church on the Drive), and began an incredible journey of faith in Jesus Christ together. They taught 7th grade Sunday School together, served as deacons and volunteered in various local missions of the church. At the time of his death, Steve was teaching Sunday School in the youth department of Church on the Drive as well as volunteering in the church kitchen on Wednesday nights. He was a member of the Missions Committee and Properties Committee and spent many hours helping to paint various sections of the church.

In 2005, Steve earned a culinary arts degree from Valencia Community College. He loved cooking and was the personal chef for Diane and his many friends.

In 2007, Steve began working with David and Merrie Harding, founders of Water Is Life International (“WILI”}. WILI works in the rural areas of Ethiopia to make fresh, safe water available to the poorest of the poor. Steve was passionate about this work and believed it was the reason God had spared his life in Viet Nam and when he was shot as a police officer. Over the past 9 years, Steve traveled to Ethiopia 9 times, his last trip was in January 2016.

Steve also worked for the past 10 years as a volunteer teaching assistant to Laura Dietz, teaching mathematics at Lake Silver Elementary School and Lee Middle School.

Steve is survived by his wife Diane Stanton; his son Brian Silver of Denver, Colorado; his sister Margaret Wambaldt of Orlando, Fl.; sister Susan (Bob) Adams of Dataw Island, South Carolina; brother Mike (Barbara) Haney of Alexandria, La.

In lieu of flowers, Steve requested donations be made to Water is Life International.org, PO Box 540318, Orlando, FL., 32854.