Sylven was born Dec. 3, 1913, in Adams County to Jehu and Lydia Maller Gerber. He married Mary S. Poe Oct. 22, 1939, in Wells County; she preceded him in death Nov. 2, 1995.

Sylven was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church. He drove a milk truck in the 1930s for almost four years. He farmed all his life, from using horses to the modern-day machinery, until the age of 98.

Survivors include a son, Jerry L. (Ann) Gerber of Bluffton; two daughters, Betty Gerber of Bluffton and Della (Marvin) Steffen of Bluffton; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Leona Schwartz, Alice Schwartz and Josephine Schwartz, all of Bluffton.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Gaius, Alvin, Lloyd, Floyd, Edwin, Truman and Edward Gerber; and his sisters, Helen Gerber, Minnie Aschliman, Sarah Kipfer, Dorothy Gerber and Anna Isch.

A service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at the Apostolic Christian Church East with Mark Gerber and Chad Gerber officiating. Calling hours are from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel, and one hour prior to the service at the church Sunday. Burial will be at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery of Bluffton.

Memorials may be made to Family LIfeCare and Christian Care Retirement Community.

Online condolences at: www.thegmcfamily.com