Kenneth John Silva

Kenneth John (Ken) Silva died Thursday, October 3, 2024 in Waco, Texas at the age of 75.

Ken was born in Los Angeles, California on October 23, 1948 in Pico Rivera, Los Angeles County, California. Ken was the eldest son of Nate Silva and Nellie Lopez Silva. He spent the first 70 years of his life living and working in the Los Angeles area, first in Whittier and then Walnut, California. His working life revolved around mechanical engineering working for Lasco Bathware and rounding out his working career at Disneyland as heating, a/c and mechanical engineer.

Ken’s leisure time along with his beloved wife, Kathe was spent in the car racing world. Ken and Kathe began in the racing world about 1984 and remained active until moving to Texas in 2019. He and Kathe received over the years many awards and recognition for their outstanding efforts. He was the Chief Starter for SCCA-Cal Club region for many years and was honored by being named the Chief Starter for the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) national championship Runoffs for several years. His efforts were recognized by several professional racing series including World Challenge and Trans Am who named his their Chief Starter. 

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Louise, his father Nate Silva and his mother Nellie Silva.

He is survived by 2 brothers and 1 sister and several nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his racing family, particularly Fred Slick, Joe Sepanik and Erika Winrow. Many heartfelt thanks to Jesse and Khandi Howard for all of the care and love that they extended to Ken in his final days.