Andrew Rudy Silva

Andrew Rudy Silva, 55, of Abilene, died Thursday, September 8, 2011 in Belen, New Mexico. Born in Belen, New Mexico on January 15, 1956, he was the son of Beatriz (Jiron) and Gilbert Silva. He was a graduate of West Oso High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, and attended college for two years. He was an aircraft electrician in the U. S. Air Force, retiring in 1998 at Dyess AFB after a 22-year military career. Following his military retirement, Andrew took a job overseas in Saudi Arabia where he worked for the last 12 years. Andrew was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Silva, on February 8, 2011. Survivors include his three sons, Andrew Silva and wife Jenny, Phil Silva, and Pete Silva all of Abilene; daughter, Sarah Anderson and husband Devin of Abilene; and three grandchildren, Aikman Anderson, Pippa Anderson and Adrian Silva. Andrew is also survived by his parents, Gilbert and Betty Silva of Belen, NM; four brothers, Anthony Silva and wife Diana of Albuquerque, NM, George Silva and Paul Silva of Belen, NM, and Greg Silva of Tucson, NM; two sisters, Sharon Salas and husband Leo Sandoval of Belen NM, and Monica Cosme and husband Isaac of Austin, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 15, in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.