January 13, 1908 -- January 22 2010
Conley Duane Silsby was born at Pisgah, Iowa. He was the son of John Osceola and Mary Addie May Oviatt Silsby. He and his 3 brothers and 2 sisters grew up on the family farm. Conley was preparing for law school, when he received the call to go into the preaching ministry.
He earned two bachelor’s degrees from Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon and a Master’s degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He taught speech and homiletics at Northwest Christian College, Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis and Puget Sound College of the Bible in Seattle, WA. He developed a course in radio broadcasting in Minnesota and his own radio program was heard over 11 stations in 6 states.
Throughout the years of his ministry, Conley preached and taught in hundreds of churches across the country and around the world, and served on several mission boards. After his “retirement” he traveled overseas 5 times working with missionaries and he continued writing and teaching a weekly Bible study well into his 90’s. He was known as a man of vision. He received from Puget Sound College of the Bible the first “Christian Service Award of Merit,” and some years later an honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
Conley was a member of West Seattle Christian Church for over 50 years where he frequently preached, gave communion meditations and wrote and taught Bible studies. Conley is survived by his children, Diane Moffitt (Stu) of Puyallup, WA, John Silsby (Sara) of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Greg Silsby (Dorothy) of Snohomish, WA; 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Conley and his wife, Carol, were married 71½ years. Carol died in 2007. The family is deeply grateful for the years of loving care given to Carol and Conley by Dorothy Silsby. A celebration of his life will be held at Northshore Christian Church, 5700 23rd Drive West, Everett, WA 98203 on Saturday, February 13 at 11 AM.
Memorial gifts may be made to Future Preacher’s Scholarship Fund at Northshore Christian Church, or Hospice of Snohomish at 2731 Wetmore, Suite 500 Everett, WA 98201
