J W (John William) Nawara

J. W. (John William) Nawara, Jr., 83, of Houston, Texas was born October 19, 1931 in Needville, TX. He passed peacefully at his home in Houston with his wife close at hand on Wednesday, December 3, 2014.

J. W. started his education at Seiler School in Needville and went on to graduate in the first graduating class of Needville High School in 1949. He first attended Wharton Jr. College, then transferred to University of Houston and graduated with a BA in accounting in 1953. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served 2 years in the Finance Corps. He received an Honorable Discharge from active duty as Specialist Third Class in 1955. After leaving the army, J.W. began working for Dresser-Magcobar and worked there 31 years until his retirement in 1986.

J.W. enjoyed life as a bachelor until December, 1969 when he met the love of his life, Bonnae, while on a blind date. He knew immediately that she was the woman he was going to marry and married her on October 17, 1970. They had three children and settled in Houston. J.W. loved spending time with his family and his church. He was active with his son in Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed various activities with his daughters. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play and having them sit on his lap. He loved to play dominos at family gatherings and would celebrate every win.

J.W. was an avid bowler and was captain of the Dresser-Magcobar team for many years. During his younger years, he enjoyed calling and participating in square dancing. J.W. enjoyed hobbies such as fishing, playing guitar, helping others, carpentry, and various DIY projects. Later, he enjoyed volunteering at Twice Blessed Resale Store and Southwest Area Ministry Food Pantry in southwest Houston.

J.W. had a good heart and a giving spirit. He served in many capacities over the years at Immanuel UCC in Needville and Gethsemane (Grace) UCC in Houston. He especially enjoyed country music and strumming along to his favorite songs with his guitars. He spent time with his family and gave willingly to help at his church and other charities.

J.W. was preceded in death by his parents, John & Frances Nawara, his brother, Alton Roy Nawara, and a host of other family members. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Bonnae, daughter; Kathryn James and husband, Wardo of Katy; son, Thomas Nawara and wife, Jenny of Georgetown; daughter, Eva Thomas and husband, Dustin of Baytown; grandsons London & Dylan James; granddaughter, Ashlin Nawara; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Vantage Hospice of Katy or Grace United Church of Christ in Houston. To honor J.W.’s love of helping others, the family will be collecting non-perishable food items at the visitation & service. These items will be donated to a local food pantry.

The family would like to thank Vantage Hospice of Katy for their compassionate, loving and faithful care in J.W.’s last days. Your comfort and gentleness made an extremely difficult time the absolute best it could be under the circumstances. Although we are saddened at our own loss, we know J.W. is now pain free and is fishing and strumming his guitar in his eternal home. He will be truly missed, but we know we will see him again one day – fully restored and in complete health.

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