Servando Silva

McAllen, Texas — Servando Guajardo Silva, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in the early hours of December 23, 2020, surrounded by his wife of 65 years and his 7 children. Don Servando was the patriarch of his family; always the elder you sought out for advice, to seek his blessing, receive a nod or to share a joy. Born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon in 1934, he grew up as a brother to 5 sisters and a younger brother. He often told stories about his siblings coming of age in the 40s/50s on the streets of a bustling Monterrey. Experiences and trials that taught him lessons and influenced the rest of his life. He was a handsome young man, protective of his sisters and learned early he had to hustle to survive. It was not long before he would meet the love of his life Manuela (Martha) as a teenager. Little did he know that being Manuela Silva's date to her quincenera would lead to a life-long love affair that crossed decades, time zones, 7 children, 19 grandchildren and ultimately 5 decades in the United States. Don Servando is remembered by his family and friends as a stern, proud, strong-willed gentleman who expected his children to build beyond his accomplishments and take advantage of the opportunities he never had. If he called you his friend, you were a friend for life. Always a survivor, he was known for his strong logic and reasoning, ambition and work ethic. He told stories, including one of a long overnight bus ride in 1952 to Los Angeles to seek a job knowing no English and with only a phone number in his pocket. A trip that started a hard-working path to build a life in the U.S., ultimately settling his family in McAllen in the 70s and becoming a proud U.S. citizen in the 90's. A longtime parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, he sought the long walk with his Lord Jesus Christ. Don Servando is survived by his wife Manuela Silva; their siblings Nora Martinez, Edgar Silva, Elizabeth Tamez, Evangelina Blanco, Servando Silva Jr., Hector Silva and Israel Silva. Visitation is will take place on Sunday, December 27, 2020 from 2:00 to 8:00pm with a 6:00pm rosary at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Funeral Mass will be at 1:00pm on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen. Burial will follow at La Piedad Cemetery. Due to the current climate surrounding COVID 19, visitors are asked to practice safe and social distancing guidelines while entering our facility. Facemasks/covers are required. Funeral Services are under the direction of Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission.

Servando Silva

April 21, 1934 - December 23, 2020