William “Bill” Silver

February 22, 1928-May 7, 2019

William “Bill” Silver, 91, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 10 p.m. He was born Feb. 22, 1928, to Mildred and Martin Silver in Boswell, Ind. While Bill was in high school, his father moved the family to Jordan Township in Warren County. He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1946.

On Feb. 4, 1956, Bill married Alice Sego from Kentland. They settled in Boswell, then moved to Warren County a couple years later where they raised their family. He believed in making a difference in his community, becoming involved in a cause that would benefit many, and supporting his children in their activities.

Bill served on the Warren County School District School Board from 1974-82. From 2001-11, he was a member of the Fowler Rotary Club, serving as president for three years. He was also an active member in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, serving as chair of the Stewardship Committee, writing spiritual newsletters weekly for 10 years, being instrumental in bringing Life Teen to the religious education program, chairing of the Fish Fry, and more.

Being a farmer who raised wheat, corn, and soybeans, Bill believed in helping create markets for these. He became a leader in creating the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) checkoff program and served state soybean growers for 22 years with the goal of wanting an organization that will help keep it profitable for future generations.

During those years, he was involved in everything from recruiting members, to writing bylaws for the Indiana Soybean Development Council, to explaining the checkoff to elevator managers, to promoting soy products at the Indiana State Fair and Health Fairs. He served on the state board in the capacity of president in 1992, treasurer 1993-94, and various committees.

Jane Ade Stevens, ISA CEO, said Silver took pride in the growth and work the checkoff provided for farmers. In a statement upon his death, she said: “Those of us who have worked to support Hoosier farmers were saddened to learn that ‘Mr. Indiana Soybean,’ Bill Silver, has passed away. Bill was the soybean farmer who led the effort for many years to get a soybean checkoff passed. He has always been an advocate for farmers and took great pride is seeing how the Indiana Soybean Alliance has developed. We lost a great advocate this week. May he rest in peace.”

Bill also served on the United Soybean Board’s board of directors from 1986-91 and earned recognition as a Founding Director for 1991-97. His career in this work was recognized by the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Conference for the American Soybean Assoc. in 1997.

He was also honored with the Lifetime Dedicated Service to Agriculture from the Warren County Farm Bureau in 1996, among other awards during his life. He was an active member in the Indiana Corn Growers Assoc., Indiana Farm Bureau, and Soybean Board Soy Promoters to enhance the profitability of soybeans by building increased influencer and consumer awareness, and usage of soy products.

Bill and Alice had five children: Martin (Vicki) of Mountain View, Calif.; Peggy Brown (Dick) of Fredonia, Wis.; Meddie (Candy) of Lafayette, Ind.; Colonel (Ret.) Mike (Karen) of West Lafayette; and Jerry (Eva) of Williamsport. He is survived by siblings Sandy (Jerry), Bob (Becky), and Jim; he was preceded in death by Mary, Joyce, Rita, Tom, and Pat.

Very few things brought Bill more joy than watching his 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He never tired of time spent with them or hearing about their adventures.

Arrangements were handled by Windler Funeral Home in Fowler, Ind. There was a funeral mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on May 11, with burial in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Kentland. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor to Sacred Heart School, 607 N. Washington Ave., Fowler, IN 47944 are much appreciated.