Robert Sterner Silverthorn

Robert Sterner Silverthorn, 84 of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2013. Robert was born December 30, 1928 in Quantico, Va. As part of a military family he lived in many different places. He graduated from Punahou High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. He entered and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BS in Petroleum Engineering. Following graduation in 1950 he was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. After his military service he attended Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, Pa. to prepare for a career in the Petroleum and Natural Gas industry. During the next 30 years his career in the oil and gas industry followed many successful moves. This led to the establishment of Energy Buyers Services Corporation in Houston, Texas, which provided natural gas to the northeastern United States. He retired in 1995. His perseverance and work ethic began from his achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 12. His life work after retirement was focused on furthering the word of God and helping others in the name of Christ. This led to his involvement with the Salvation Army and Campus Crusades for Christ University Mary Hardin in Baylor, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, Focus on the Family, Houston Baptist University, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Dallas Baptist University, Young Life, Alzheimer Assc., and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Lieut. Gen. Merwin H. and Marie A. Silverthorn. Two, brothers, Col. Merwin H. Silverthorn, Jr. and Lieut. Col. Russell L. Silverthorn. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marilyn I. Silverthorn. His children, Robert S. Silverthorn Jr. (Rusti) of Louisville, KY, Marie Silverthorn (Bill Giolma) of Dallas TX, Virginia S. Schulte (Mark) of Louisville, KY, and Carolyn Bierman (Mike) of Parkland, FL. Nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren as well as Sister-in-law, Virginia E. Cunningham of Oklahoma City, OK A Memorial Service will be celebrated at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Rd. Houston, Texas 77024. Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in Robert’s memory to the charity of your choice. Visit www.DettlingFuneral.com to leave online tributes.

Robert Sterner Silverthorn

December 30, 1928 - July 4, 2013