Wayne Silkett

1945 - 2025

Wayne A. Silkett, 80, passed away on October 18, 2025, in Carlisle, PA. A family man, distinguished officer, and treasured friend, Wayne leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, service, and love. Born on February 18, 1945, he was the son of Arnold and Kathleen Silkett.

Wayne earned a B.A. in History (San Jose University), two M.A.s in International Relations (Boston University & University of Southern California.), a Master of Military Arts and Science (Command and General Staff College), and an M.A. in English Literature (George Mason University).

Wayne's military career spanned over two decades and took him across the globe. Commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army in 1968, he served in Vietnam, worked in Berlin during the Cold War, served at the Defense Intelligence Agency as Analyst and Team Chief, taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy, served at SHAPE in Belgium as an Arms Control Officer, served as Director of Joint Operations Concepts at the Army War College, and completed Foreign Area Officer training. He retired as a Lt. Col. in 1993.

Wayne served the community as an Employability Skills Teacher at the State Correctional Institution in Camp Hill.

Wayne is survived by his wife Jenny Silkett; children Byron Silkett-Irvine, Ariel Silkett, and Soleil Carmelo; stepsons William Colson and Robert Colson III; seven grandchildren; and sister Pamela Kohler. He was preceded in death by his sister Andrea Lloyd.

A visitation will be held at Hoffman Funeral Home in Carlisle, on December 6, 2025, 2–4 p.m.

Wayne will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for who he was: gracious, thoughtful, hilariously witty, and profoundly good.