PAMPLIN, April 6 – Robert Franklin Silsby, 74, of Pamplln, died Saturday, April 3, 2004 in Farmvllle.

He was born December 31, 1929 in DeSoto, MO, a son of the late Harry N. and Ethel Heaton Silsby.

Mr. Silsby served in the Army and was a World War II veteran. He retired from Midas Muffler and Brakes of St. Petersburg, FL as a general manager and also was a boat captain in Tampa, FL. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #119 AF&AM of DeSoto, MO for 47 years along with a Scottish Rite member of Tampa, FL.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Whitehead Silsby; his children, Robert N. Silsby and his wife, Carol of Harrisburg, PA, Susan Daily and her husband, Steve of Seffner, FL and Janet Rivard and her husband, Joe of Wesley Chapel, FL; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren and three nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorthea Blank Wynn, Helen Mallery and Donna Lee Wood; his brother, Harry Heaton Silsby and his nephew. Dr. Mike Blank.

A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. Friday at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Darlington Heights. The remains will be buried in DeSoto, MO.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oncology Department at Southslde Community Hospital, 800 Oak Street, Farmville, VA 23901 or to Spring Creek Baptist Church, c/o Rev. Rolland Grenouillou, Jr., 674 Millbank Rd., Pamplln, VA 23958.

Shorter Funeral Home, Farmvllle, is in charge of arrangements.