Charles Oland Silk

Charles Oland Silk passed away suddenly on February 02, 2021, with his daughter by his side. Charles was born in Rayville, LA on August 31, 1925, to Ed & Suzie Silk. He grew up in Rayville and graduated from Rayville High School, Class of 1942.
Mr. Silk received many All-State Football Awards, but the highlight of his high school career was throwing a half-back pass to his teammate Dopson to beat Neville 12-7 in 1941. At the age of 18, he joined the Marines and served two years in the South Pacific. My Mom once said jokingly “this is what the show Gomer Pyle was once based on”.
After returning home, he enrolled in Northeast Junior College, where he played football for Jim Malone.
Mr. Silk described himself as a college gypsy. Attending NJC- then University of Missouri, Louisiana State University, Furman University- before graduating from Louisiana Tech. Charles received a full scholarship from William & Mary but turned it down because it was too far from home.
Mr. Silk later married Sara Lou Sims and adopted my brother, Mike. In August of 1967 along came me, Ellen.
Sara & Oland owned a bookstore Ferd Levi’s while dad continued to write a column for the morning world- (later to become the News Star Morning World). He wrote a column for 35 years before retiring on a Friday. Then starting a new job at St. Francis Medical Center in the Public Relations Department the following Monday.
My Father had many loves in his life. Books, Photography, Music, Writing, Tennis, Football and the art of letter writing.
If you were lucky enough to correspond with dad- you were in high company. William F. Buckley, George Halas, and many other noted columnist and writers. He loved to write letters- this stems back to his days in college and the Military. He thought letter writing was a little more personable that e-mail. Do the little things.
Oland is survived by his daughter Ellen Silk Hicks and her husband, Jeff Hicks and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by, his parents; Ed & Susie Silk, His brother; Allen Silk; Sisters, Jessie, Gladys, Wife Sara Lou Silk; Son, Mike Silk
There are several people I would like to thank for their love and kindness.
Dr. Owen Meyers, Always Best Care Senior Services, Kindred Home Health, Steve & Robin Peyton, and Mr. Antwon Hawkins.
If you would like to honor my father, he would tell you to go get a library card or make sure your children have one.
Take up letter writing & help the puppies at Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe, P.O. Box 15311, Monroe, LA. 71207
A visitation at Mulhearn Funeral Home Chapel will be held on Friday, February 05, 2021, from 11:00 A.M. until 12:45 P.M. Graveside will be at 1:30 P.M. in Rayville, LA at the Veterans Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Monroe with Dr. Bruce Silk presiding.