John Silversmith

1948 - 2016

John Wilson Silversmith

Great Falls —On November 2, 2016, we lost our beloved father, poppa, brother, uncle and friend, John Silversmith.

He was born to Eunice Speer and Art Silversmith on April 16, 1948 and was raised by Eunice and Don Ameline.

John joined the Army at the age of 18 and served proudly during the Vietnam Conflict with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company 52nd Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade until his helicopter was hit by a B-40 rocket in September 1968 where John sustained injuries. After his honorable discharge with a Purple Heart and other commendations, John returned home to Great Falls, MT where he married Evelyn McGillis and had three sons, Brian, Ted, and Marc in addition to raising Evelyn's older son and daughter, Callen and Althea.

John later remarried and had a daughter, Eunice Silversmith. John was a gun enthusiast and a member of The Montana Plainsmen Black Powder Shooting Club.

John is survived by his children and grandchildren, Brian and Brandy (Jordan, Mercedes and Rowan), Marc and Gina, Ted and Jolene (Trenton, Carissa, Cody, and Kyle); Callen and Tifany (Nikki, Taylor, and Sahara), Althea (Anna, Tonee Jo, Hank, and Althea), and Eunice. John is also survived by his siblings, Greg Silversmith, Ron (Jodi) Ameline, Marvin Ameline, Lisa (Larry) Hill, Scotty (Rhonda) Ameline; and John's beloved nieces and nephews; and many special family members and friends.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Eunice and Don Ameline and birth father, Art Silversmith; sister Charlotte; grandson baby Brian; niece Savannah and nephew Louie.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 7, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Schnider Funeral Home, 1510 13th St. S. A funeral service with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at O'Connor Memorial Chapel, 2425 8th Ave N. A reception will follow at the VFW, 4123 10th Ave S.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.