Paul Matthew Filla, 89, of Belle, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 30, at his residence.
Paul was born Aug. 21, 1930, in Pinelawn, a son to the late Bernard and Frances (Wesolowski) Filla.
He was a 1949 graduate of St. Louis Prep South Seminary High School. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
On Nov. 12, 1960, he was united in marriage to Mary (Dashner) Filla at All Saints Catholic Church in University City. She survives of the home.
Paul was employed at Monarch Weather Stripping for 14 years and McDonald Aircraft in St. Louis for 31 years retiring in 1993.
Paul was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain, Knights of Columbus Council # 10690 in Rich Fountain a 4th degree Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post in Freeburg.
Nothing brought more joy to Paul than doing everything together with his wife Mary, especially centering around church and his Catholic faith by being a communion minister, part time sacristan, and leading the Rosary before Mass.
Paul enjoyed fishing, deer and rabbit hunting, making wine, photography, gardening and loved being in nature. No matter what he did Paul always devoted himself to each project. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America while his sons were growing up. He always had a great sense of humor, he enjoyed making people laugh.
In addition to his spouse of 59 years, Paul is survived by sons, Chris Filla and his wife Cathy of Waynesboro, Va., Ken Filla and his wife Sharon of Arnold, Tony Filla and his wife Eleanor of High Ridge and Dave Filla and his wife Lisa of Arnold; seven grandchildren, Caitlynn, Cristyn, Cierra, Tyler, Connor, Tony Jr. and Kyle Filla; along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bernard and Lawrence Filla and three sisters, Gertrude Reiter, Theresa Horrell and Mary Snarzyk.
Visitation was held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain.
Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. William Debo as the celebrant. Interment with full military honors followed in the Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School.
Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)
www.mortonchapel. com
