Wayne Silkett

Wayne Arnold Silkett, a devoted family man, distinguished officer, and treasured friend, peacefully passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on February 18, 1945, in Uttoxeter, England, and raised in San Jose, California, Wayne was the son of Arnold Earnest Silkett and Kathleen (Gill) Silkett.

Wayne graduated from San Jose University with a B.A. in History (1967) and went on to earn two M.A. degrees in International Relations (Boston University, 1975; University of Southern California, 1980.), a Master of Military Arts and Science (Command and General Staff College, 1981), and an M.A. in English Literature (George Mason University, 1983).

Wayne’s military career spanned more than two decades and carried him across the world. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1968, Wayne served in Vietnam, taught at the Infantry School at Fort Benning, worked in Berlin during the Cold War, served at the Defense Intelligence Agency as both Analyst and Team Chief, taught as an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, served as a Nuclear and Conventional Arms Control Officer at SHAPE in Belgium, served as Director of Joint Operations Concepts at the Army War College (Carlisle, PA), and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993. He served his community for more than a decade as an Employability Skills Teacher at the State Correctional Institution in Camp Hill, PA.

Wayne’s military honors included the Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Badge. He completed demanding professional courses, including advanced Russian language study, Foreign Area Officer training, and the Army War College Correspondence Course.

Wayne is survived by his wife of more than 31 years, Jenny (Colson) Silkett; children Byron Silkett-Irvine (Andrea Zilizi), Ariel Silkett, and Soleil Carmelo (John Carmelo); stepchildren William Colson (Donna Colson) and Robert Colson III; grandchildren Davey, Christian, Whitley, Allyson, Sebron, Issac, and Ivan; and sister, Pamela Kohler (Bill Kohler). He was preceded in death by his sister, Andrea Lloyd.

Wayne enjoyed classical literature, military history, classical music, cooking, photography, writing, and was a lifelong animal lover. He supported many non-profits, including The National Vietnam War Museum, the Army War College Foundation, and the American Humane Society.

Wayne will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for who he was: gracious, thoughtful, hilariously witty, and profoundly good. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, service, and love.

A visitation will be held at Hoffman Funeral Home, Carlisle, PA, on December 6, 2025, from 2-4 P.M, with burial at Arlington National Cemetery on December 9, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a memorial contribution in Wayne’s honor to The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.