Joel Ray Fillip

Joel R. Fillip, 64, of Waco, passed away Nov. 8, 2010 at a local hospital with his family by his side. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin with the Rev. Jimmy Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Adams Funeral Home.

Joel was born Sept. 13, 1946 in Marlin, Texas, to Woodrow and Evelyn Fillip. He attended schools in Marlin and was a graduate of Marlin High School. He was a captain, all district, and Super Centex player on the 1964 football team that played in the Texas 2A State Championship Game. In 1967, Joel married his high school sweetheart, Pam Criswell. Together, they moved to Davisville Naval Air Station in Quonset Point, R.I.. where Joel served in the U.S. Navy SeaBees. Upon completion of his active duty military service, Joel and Pam moved back to Texas and Joel enrolled in North Texas University. While working in Denton, he earned a degree in Industrial Arts. After earning his degree, Joel began working for Wallace Business Forms in Marlin. Later he joined the sales division of American National Insurance Company in Waco. In that capacity, he worked as an agent, sales staff manager, and district sales manager for the Brownwood and Waco Districts. His employment with American National continued until the time of his death.

Joel was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Marlin, and served as Deacon for several years. he also served as Past Master of the Marlin Masonic Lodge 152.

Joel was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Evelyn Cohn Fillip in November of 1994; and father, Woodrow Wilson Fillip in May of 2010.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Pam Criswell Fillip of Waco; son, Chad R. Fillip and wife, Christy of Waco; daughter, Leah Fillip Helbert and husband, Josh of Dallas; grandson, Jaden Fillip Helbert of Dallas; brother Darrell L. Fillip and wife Melenna, of Waco; and sister Donna K. Daniel and husband Danny, of Conroe.

Pallbearers will be Colby Fillip, Josh Daniel, Tommy Tate, Larry Kalmbach, Matt Kalmbach, and Eric Kalmbach. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Fillip, Adam Kalmbach, Dwain Cohn, Michael Donaldson, and Jason Knight.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, First Baptist Church, or First Christian Church.