John Andrew Maler

He passed peacefully at his home in Montgomery, TX surrounded by his family. John was born on May 4, 1961, to August and Edna Maler in East Bernard, TX. He spent his early years in the area and graduated from Boling High School, with a class of 68 students where he played football and golf. He maintained those friendships he made for all his years. He continued to enjoy both sports throughout his life, watching on TV and playing golf on various local courses (even meeting up with the “old gang”). After High School, he attended Wharton County Jr. College for a short time but was eager to start a career. He joined Red Lobster, where he met his first wife, Kristen, and worked for 5 years. Red Lobster would not let a 24-year-old be a General Manager and John knew he was ready for the next step. So, he left and joined Golden Corral and went into the management program. During this time, he married, gained 2 stepsons, Garrick and Ryan, and welcomed his daughter, Chelsea. He continued his career for 17 years and received many recognitions and awards. He went from General Manager with corporate Golden Corral to Owner/Franchisee and had several locations. John later married Michelle and they had 2 boys, Drew and Drake. In July of 2004, they shifted from the restaurant business and started ½ Price Boxes. They started with 1 location and in 22 + years they grew it to 14 locations (company, partner and licensee’s) and a distribution center. John was very proud of ½ Price Boxes and loved working the business every day, he was a huge impact until his last days. John’s other hobby was Texas Holdem’ /poker, where he played in the same club for 20 + years. He also had many friends. All of whom supported him throughout his entire Cancer journey.

John loved his kids very much and spent many years taking them to many practices, celebrating their passions, playing games and lots of days on the lake boating and wakeboarding.

Although John and Michelle divorced, they maintained a close relationship, and had nothing but friendship, love and respect for one another.

John chose to take an optimistic approach to life and that’s how he lived every day. The rare times he got mad, he got over it just as quick. And wanted everyone else to as well. He didn’t dwell on the small stuff (the big stuff much either) and preferred to keep life light and fun. He always said, “it will work out, always does”. More than anything he loved a good joke and he loved to laugh.

John grew up Catholic but transitioned to non-denominational and was baptized in 2010. While he was not ready for his time on this earth to end, he was at peace and knew he was going to a better place.

John is preceded in death by his parents, August and Edna Maler; his brother, Patrick Maler; He leaves behind: his daughter, Chelsea Maler; his sons, Drew Maler and Drake and Keeritya (Bam) Maler; his grandson, Myca Maler, who he adored immensely; his ex-wife, Michelle and Ricky Dupuy; His stepsons, Garrick and Stacey Ambroselli and Ryan Steiger; his sisters, Jeannette Maler, Sylvia and Pete Vacek; his brother, Anthony Maler; niece, Susan and Mark Stewart, nephews, Charlie Vacek, Jerry and Blinda Whitley, Max Maler, Cyrus Maler;

John 11:25: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”

A Celebration of Life will be held at: Forest Park Funeral Home 18000 1-45; The Woodlands, TX 77384 September 4, 2024 Viewing 10am – 11am Service to follow at 11am

We will have a reception at John’s home following the ceremony: 15637 Marina Dr #12 Montgomery, TX 77356

(Gate code: #1960, turn right, last house on right)