Dr. Silas Howell Shotwell
Dr. Silas Howell Shotwell, 87, passed away on February 14, 2026 in Artesia, NM.
Born November 4, 1938 in Hamilton, Texas to Walter Allen Shotwell and Lora (Perkins) Shotwell. Silas devoted his life to faith, service and compassion.
A lifelong minister and gifted communicator, Silas spent more than 60 years speaking to Church of Christ congregations from North Carolina to Alaska, touching countless lives along the way. In the early 1990’s, Silas and his wife Edna Mae created the “The Safety Net” ministry in their Hood River, Oregon, home, serving as a retreat center for hurting ministers and other church leaders — a work Silas continued faithfully, wherever he was, until late 2025.
Silas graduated high school in Lake Worth, Texas, and pursued extensive higher education at Columbia Christian College, York College, Abilene Christian University, Texas Christian University and Fuller Seminary, to name a few. He had a passion for American Southwestern history and education and held multiple degrees in History and Divinity.
Throughout his career, Silas contributed to a variety of ministries and organizations. He worked with the Herald of Truth broadcast ministry in the late 1960’s and was named an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy for his work with Governor Preston Smith in the early 1970’s. In July 1974, he served as a member and speaker at the International Congress on World Evangelization, held in Lausanne, Switzerland – an honor he cherished deeply.
Anyone who knew Silas, knew how deeply he loved his home state of Texas, classic country music and rodeo. He attended countless events with his wife and children, including the Pendelton Round-up, Reno Rodeo and National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, whenever they had a chance. He knew many of the athletes by name and cheered them on with great enthusiasm.
Silas is survived by his 4 children, Suzanne Parker, Jeffrey Shotwell, Sarah Cooper and Meagan Jordan, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Edna Mae (Pirtle) Shotwell and his son Nathan Shotwell, as well as both parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Keizer Church of Christ, 5405 Ridge Dr. NE, Keizer, OR 97303.
Columbia Gorge News, March 18, 2026
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