Melvin "Nighthawk" Silas Sr., 87, of Rock Island, passed away Friday, April 17, 2020 at UnityPoint Health – Trinity, Rock Island.  Private family visitation and graveside services will be held.  Burial will be in Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made to the family.  Wheelan Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island is assisting the family with arrangements.

Melvin was born September 2, 1932 in Lexington, Mississippi, a son of Fred and Mary (Downer) Silas.  He married Joanne France on April 11, 1992 in Rock Island.  Melvin worked as a Union Mason Cement Finisher for 40 years, retiring in 1996.  He was a proud member of Esquire Lodge #1648 and King Solomon Masonic Lodge #20.  Melvin loved spending time with his family and gardening.  He was a very capable handyman and enjoyed hunting in his earlier years.

Left to cherish his memory are: his loving wife, Joanne France-Silas; 5 sons and spouses; Jimmy D. Silas (Shirley), Melvin Silas, Jr. (Bridgette), Arthur (Curlo) Johnson (Pili), Jeremiah Jamison III (Rasheda), Tyler Campbell; 4 daughters, Freddie Mae Haynes, Melva Finley, Erica Johnson, Brianne Nicole Silas; 38 Grandchildren; 45 Great-Grandchildren; 1 Great-Great Grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to mourn his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Tony Johnson, William Mason Silas, Frederick Finley and his siblings: brother, Robert Brown Sr.; 7 sisters; Pearlie Mae McGee, Rosie Marie Ross, Ada Mae Randle, Annie Mae Meeks; twin sister Eleanor Spann, Eliza Ann Murphy, Lucille Clark and a special cousin, Mary Campbell.