Obituary of Dan Silkman

On the morning of August 29, 2009 Dan Duane Silkman left this earthly life and entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father. Dan was born on August 30, 1958 in Goodland Kansas the second son of Irma and Leon Silkman. Dan was raised on his parent’s farm in Burlington, Colorado and was a graduate of Burlington High School, Class of 1976. Following his patriotic spirit and fascination with the military, Dan enlisted in the United States Navy in October 1976. His eight years of service to the Navy provided Dan the opportunity to see the world. Serving in California, Hawaii, Virginia, the Philippines, Guam, Spain, and Italy Dan received numerous recommendations and commendations. Dan retired from the Navy in October 1984 and returned to Burlington. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1988 and was called to active duty in Iraq in 1991 as a part of operation Desert Storm. Dan continued to serve his country as a Guardsman until he was honorably discharged in 2002 due to deteriorating health. In addition to his military service Dan raised cattle and faithfully assisted his parents as he was called upon. Dan is survived by his parents, siblings Jill Eberhart and Terry Silkman, niece, Erin Eberhart, nephews, Colin Eberhart, Alex Silkman, Clayton Silkman, and Brandon Silkman, grand niece Ava Silkman, and grand nephews Colin Silkman and Jaxon Silkman. Dan is remembered as a loyal son and brother who loved marksmanship, reading, a vigorous debate, and his family. Memorial services for Dan were held on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the Evangelical Free Church in Burlington with Pastor Ron Lee officiating. Private family inurnment was held in the Goodland Cemetery Thursday afternoon. There was no visitation. Memorials may be made in Dan’s name and may be left at or sent to the First National Bank in Burlington.