Obituary for Raymond Andrew Filla
Raymond Andrew Filla, 91, of Belleville, Illinois, born Sunday, August 3, 1924, in Murphysboro, quietly passed into God's loving arms on Friday, March 11, 2016, at his home.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois, who died September 2012; his parents, Frank and Regina (nee Swoboda) Filla; his sisters, Germaine, Celeste, Catherine, and Alice; his brothers, Ambrose and Dennis; his son, Gary; and his step-grandson, Adam Davis.
Surviving are his step-children - Susan (Robert) Bagley of Belleville, IL, Nancy Davis of Belleville, IL, and Jay Davis of Farmington, MN, Step-Grandchildren, Brenna (Jason) Fischer of Millstadt, IL, Jenna Davis of Belleville, IL, and Amy Davis of Brighton, MA, Step-Great Grandchildren, Bryce and Kyle Fischer of Millstadt, IL, First Wife, Margie Oliver of Spokane Valley, WA, Nephew, Andrew (Debra) Filla of Leawood, KS, and his sweet dog, George W.
Ray grew up in Chester, Illinois, on the family farm with his parents and six brothers and sisters.
He attended St. Mary's Catholic Grade School. He was an altar boy in 7th and 8th grade, and he graduated from Chester High School.
Ray had fond memories of growing up in Chester -- sledding down Watermelon Hill in the winter, riding his bike to Mary's River to fish the deep holes for blue gill, working for Pautler grocery store in the summer (where he earned $1 a day), and working at Kroger and Clover Farm grocery stores.
He could recall the names of his St. Mary's classmates, the nuns, the priests, and his friends with whom he would bum around.
He had a sharp mind to the very end.
A World War II veteran, Ray enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman in the United States Coast Guard in October 1942.
He served aboard the USS Reading, Convoy Patrol; the CGC Sheboygan, North Atlantic Patrol; and the Beauford.
When speaking of the North Atlantic (Newfoundland, Iceland, Greenland), he would say, "When salt water freezes, you know it's cold!"
He was honorably discharged from service to his country in April 1946. A proud American, Ray flew the American flag outside his home every day
Ray worked as a safety engineer for Petrolite Corp., St. Louis, Missouri, for 18 years.
He then went to work for the American Red Cross in St. Louis, teaching first aid and CPR to hundreds of people in the area.
After 22 years with the ARC, he finally retired in 2010 at the age of 85.
Ray served as a trustee for the Villa Hills Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #0101, Brentwood, Missouri, for 44 years.
The family would like to thank Ray's wonderful, caring neighbors. When needed, you were there.
And heartfelt thanks to Ray's St. Louis doctors who cared for him the last few years.
Ray loved to watch old movies on TCM; <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> night fish fries at the Millstadt Sportsman's Club and Millstadt VFW (he really enjoyed the jam session music); <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span>dinner at the West Main Cafe; the jokes from Bob the Barber; tending to his yard; and sitting on his porch swing out back, enjoying the fruits of his labor with a cold beer in his hand, and "everything like that."
He was a kind, loving, gentle man. He was independent, "somewhat stubborn," and possessed great strength and character.
He will be so dearly missed by family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. He believed in God with all his heart and said his prayers, every night, before going to bed.
It was Ray's wish that memorial donations be made to Children's Hospital for cancer research.
Memorials will be accepted at the funeral home or sent directly to 1 Children's Place, St. Louis, MO 62110.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.kurrusfh.com.
Visitation:
In celebration of a life well-lived, friends may call <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday, March 15</span></span>, from <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">4-8 p.m.</span></span> at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral:
Will be held <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday, March 16</span></span>, at <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">11 a.m.</span></span> at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Souders officiating.
Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.