John Filar

John Filar, age 84 of Magnolia, passed away February 18, 2026. As a young man in the early 1960’s, he traveled to Houston and soon met Lily, his beloved late wife of 60 years, at the historic Bill Mraz dance hall. There they danced the nights away, fell in love and married in 1963. He started a career as a firefighter for the Houston Fire Department in 1963 beginning as a chauffeur, later achieving the rank of Junior Captain. He retired in 2001 after 38.5 years of service. They started a family in Houston and with his natural gifts of building or fixing almost anything, designed and built a home in Magnolia in the mid 1970’s. He enjoyed fishing, camping and occasional water skiing and hunting. He was usually found outside fixing, washing, riding or tinkering on anything with a motor-- a car, truck, tractor, mower, 4-wheeler, even a pink moped. He would generously give his time to help others in need of his repair talents. His hobby was enjoying a good lotto scratch off…. or two or three. He began his faith journey as a youth at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bremond, TX and later attended Assumption Catholic Church in Houston, TX where his 4 children were baptized. After the move to Magnolia, the family attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Tomball, TX and in a short time they became one of the founding families of St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Church. He was a fixture in the Knights of Columbus and the Men’s Club for many years. As an ‘empty nest’ couple, ‘Nana and Papa’ enjoyed numerous gambling trips to Coushatta. He looked forward to countless church bazaars, holidays and family gatherings. We rejoice as Papa has been called home to be with the Lord and join Nana again. He will be deeply missed by all those who love him and take comfort in knowing all who believe will see him again. …..“I am the resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live;” John 11:25 In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be made in honor of John to St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Church, Magnolia TX. https://st-matthias.net/donate The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to John's family and friends during this difficult time.