Derril Silkwood, Sr.

John "Derril" Silkwood, Sr., age 91 of Gulfport, entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Herman and Arrie Vennie Williams Silkwood; his sisters, Dorothy Cook, Margaret Smith, and Mary Ann Sibley; his brother, Rayburne Silkwood; and his granddaughter, Bethany Chouest.

Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Patricia "Pat" Silkwood; his children, Deborah "Debbie" Braun, Cathy Stafford (Bob), John D. Silkwood, Jr., and Sandra "Sandy" Chouest (Alan); his grandchildren, Kevin Braun (Lauren), Kenneth Braun, Brandon Stafford, Jessica Feldtman (Billy), Allison Stafford, Brady Stafford, Shane Silkwood, Katelyn Lamberth (Austin), and Matthew Chouest; his great grandchildren, Isabelle Braun, Hudson Braun, Hayes Braun, and Harrison Feldtman; his siblings, Vennie Lucille Arrington and Alton Silkwood; and other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Derril was born January 25, 1932 in Ida, LA and grew up helping his family work on various farms. As a teenager he began working at the cotton gin in Plain Dealing, LA until the age of 19 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a machine gunner in the Korean War from 1951-1953. He was highly decorated for his bravery to include the Korean Service Medal and 2 Bronze Service Stars. He had a strong connection with all of his "Army buddies" that he served with in the 40th Infantry Divsion, 223rd Regiment, Company I. Every Memorial Day he would honor his fellow soldiers who died by lining his driveway with white crosses and American flags as a personal tribute to each of them.

While stationed in Pittsburg, CA, Derril first saw Pat in a cafe and it was truly love at first sight. He told his Army buddy that day "I am going to marry that girl!", which he did on January 15, 1954. They left CA for Gulfport to begin their married life and start a family. He owned a gas station briefly in downtown Gulfport and then received an offer to deliver ice for Reese Ice Company in Corpus Christi, TX.

While living in Corpus Christi, he received another opportunity to deliver bread for Rainbo Baking Company, which he did until 1967. He then moved his family to Gulfport where he transferred to Colonial Baking Company and was promoted to route supervisor. After retiring from Colonial in 1986, he entered into a Little Debbie franchise distributorship until he fully retired in 1996.

Derril loved Waffle House waffles with eggs, patty melts at Whataburger, Little Debbie snack cakes, and Doublemint gum. He kept his family laughing with his many favorite phrases, harmonica playing, and joyful silliness. He enjoyed fishing, telling stories, and spending lots of time with family and friends. He was so very loved and will absolutely be missed by everyone who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 1 - 2 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach.  A funeral service will be held at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment with military honors will be in Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens.

Derril proudly served as a Mason for almost 60 years and was a supporter of the Shriners Hospitals For Children. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607