Johnnie Kolar

Johnnie Louis Kolar, age 85, of West, passed away early Friday morning, August 21, 2026 at West Rest Haven.

A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard.

Johnnie was born February 27, 1941, in West, the son of Frank and Annie (Gerik) Kolar. He attended school in West and was a 1959 graduate of West High School. On October 23, 1961, he married Eddie Marie "Edda" Lehmann in West. Edda preceded him in death on September 10, 2025. Johnnie proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1966. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption and was also a member of SPJST Lodge #54 and the United Rubber Workers Union. Johnnie worked in tire inspection for General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco for more than 20 years before retiring in 1985. Prior to that, he worked for Cameron Mills. Following his retirment Johnnie and Edda went into business together with Kolar's Custom Cutting, Kolar's Apartment, and finally West Parkway Daycare and Learning Center where Johnnie did custodial and landscaping work and was affectionately known as "Paw-Paw Johnnie". He was happiest when he was outdoors. He enjoyed deer hunting and fishing and could often be found mowing, working on carpentry projects, or simply staying busy around the place. He enjoyed a good game of cards or gambling, loved to dance, was known for being a talented accordion player, had several custom classic cars, listening to country music, and fishing. Whether he was outdoors, working with his hands, enjoying music, or spending time with others, Johnnie had a way of staying busy and enjoying the simple things in life.

Johnnie is also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank, Rudolph, Albin, Adolph, George, and Alfons Kolar; and sisters, Mary Grmela, Angeline Kolar, Annie Marek, Margaret Kolar, Lillian Kolar, and Irene Kolar.

Survivors include his children, Debbie Ferguson of Aquilla, and Justin Kolar of West; his grandson, Camden Ferguson of Aquilla; his great grandchildren, Honesty and Colson Ferguson; a brother, Raymond Kolar Sr.; sisters-in-law, Jaroline Kolar and Caral Ann Lehmann; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Active pallbearers are Camden Ferguson, Adolph Kolar Jr., Frankie Kolar, Dennis Kolar, Larry Marek, Rudolf Kolar Jr., and Raymond Kolar Jr. Honorary pallbearers are his nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Volunteer Ambulance Association.