Mark A. Silas

Mark Anthony Silas was born April 1, 1958 in Middletown, Ohio to John W. and Willie Emma Silas. He was called from labor to reward on November 15, 2014 at the age of 56.
Reared and educated in the Middletown City School System, Mark graduated from Middle- town High School in 1976. Mark married the love of his life, Gloria Watson on Thursday, February 11, 1988. He worked for Wausau Paper until his health would no longer allow. Mark, affectionately known as ―Poppi‖ was loved by everyone that knew him. There was nothing he would not do for you if he could, even from his sick bed. Mark loved children and cared for many as his own. As a youth, Mark was his own little business man: passing papers, washing and detailing cars, cutting grass, helping neighbors around their homes. He worked for the Man- chester Inn, LeSourdsville Lake Amusement Park, Schiavone’s Casa Mia Restaurant, Philsons, just to name a few, all before the age of 18. A work ethic that was instilled in him.
Mark was also one of the best ―Punt, Pass and Kick‖ participants in the city; winning countless awards. He also punted and played quarterback for the Middies in the 1970’s. It is no secret that Mark could not resist a good roll of the dice, or a good poker game, a day at the Casino, or just scratching off and playing the lottery. Mark could have easily made millions as
a standup comedian. On a serious note: one of his favorite movies was ―To Kill A Mocking Bird.‖ He also loved the Chicago Bears and was so proud when his family member, Charles ―Peanut‖ Tillman was drafted to the team.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Willie Emma Silas. He leaves to cherish his loving and witty memory: his devoted wife of 27 years, Gloria; one son, Eugene Watson (Summer); daughter, Desarae Shuemake; brother, Myles Silas; sisters, Roseia ―Lulu‖ South and Kimberly Silas-Breedlove (Calvin); grandchildren, Airyn Taylor, Cailyn Gray, Deza and Shaolin Watson, Issyal More- land and great-grandson, Keilyn Taylor; nieces, Keely Leak, Courtnee Arnold, Makayla and Meliah Silas; nephews, Jack South, Jr. (Nile), Courtez Arnold and Myles Silas II. He also leaves special family and friends – aunts, Jean Silas-Tillman, Audrey Silas and Elizabeth Peterson-Silas; uncle, Fletcher Silas; cousins, Zan Silar, Jr., Phillip Williams, Stanley Silas and Lakaba Silas; friends, Sherelle and Darlene Davis, Jeannie Burns, Eddie Davis, Simon Brooks, Sandra Hightower, Pamela Snow-Lige, Jonda Prather, Missy Lett, Leronda Lucky, the Tillman, Breedlove, Cox, McKnight and Thompson families respectively.