Pastor and former Deming Mayor Andres Zenon Silva peacefully passed away at his home Monday April 7. He was 50. The former Mayor fought a good battle after his diagnosis in August 2013; however, ultimately he succumbed to complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, daughter and family members during his final hour.

Silva was born on December 3, 1963 in Willcox, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents Zenon C. Silva and Julia P. Silva.

Silva is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lorraine, loving daughter Trinity and step daughter Elaine. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Frank Henry Silva, Margret Silva Whelan, Dario David Silva, Maria Silva Sutton and Miguel Gabriel Silva. Other surviving family members include the Silva Family spouses, JoAnn Silva, Johnny Whelan, Denise Silva, Jeff Sutton, 20 nieces and nephews, five grandchildren and step grandchildren.

He was a two term Deming Mayor from 2006 – 2014, and Pastor of Living Word Family Church for more than 20 years. He was also a successful self-businessman. His hobbies varied and reflected the many creative talents he was blessed with including watercolor painting, portrait sketching and playing the guitar. Pastor Andy's true passion was spreading the word of the Lord and that passion took him on many missions abroad including Nigeria, India, Bulgaria, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand and Mexico. Pastor Silva fought the good fight of faith to lay hold of eternal life. For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

On Tuesday April 8, City flags were flown at half-mast in honor of former Mayor Silva.
Services will be held Saturday April 12 at 11 o'clock in the morning at the Mimbres Valley Special Events Center.