Benedum Fellow, Leader on Church and Community Front, Lester Joseph Filicsky, Passes Away at Age 90

Lester Joseph Filicsky, 90, of St. Charles, Missouri, formerly of Bridgeport, WV, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital in St. Peters, Missouri. He was born on December 31, 1934 in Danville, Illinois, the son of the late August J. and Eva V. Filicsky. They preceded him in death in addition to four older brothers.

Lester and his late wife Betty Sue were married July 3, 1963 at New Bethel United Methodist Church in Good Hope, WV, and had their marriage blessed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksburg, WV on February 28, 1981. They celebrated almost 55 years of marriage. He is survived by two brothers-in-law, Philip Carder and his wife Carolyn of Centralia, IL. and Ronald Carder also of Centralia. Even though Lester had a myriad of nephews and nieces on both sides of the family whom he loved, one special lady stands out, Jacqueline “Jackie” Bretsch and her husband Jeffery of St. Charles, MO. Their support was a blessing for Lester in his later years.

Lester spent his childhood growing up in Danville, IL. Les had many wonderful memories of that period, including working at and delivering groceries for “Gus the Grocer”, the family grocery store. He attended St. Patrick Grade School and Schlarman High School, graduating in 1953.

He entered the U.S. Military in 1955 as an Active Reservist and moved to active duty in 1957. He was released from his military obligation in 1963.

Lester retired from AFG Industries (Fourco Glass Company) in 1996, with an effective 30 plus years of service as a Senior Automation Engineer. After his retirement, he helped at Ford Funeral Home for many years.

Lester was Catholic by faith. He faithfully attended Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksburg, WV, where he served as Eucaristic Minister, usher, adult server at daily mass, Homebound Ministry, Social Committee, Serra Club, United in Faith and Mission Campaign, and past member of two Parish Councils. After relocating to Missouri, Lester led the rosary every Tuesday for fellow residents of his senior living community.

He also was involved in many civic activities and was awarded the “Michael Benedum Award” for community participation as well as the “Salt and Light Humanitarian Award” for service in the Catholic community.

He loved to watch Pro Football (Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers), baseball (Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates), golf and all WVU sports. He enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends through Facebook.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lester’s memory to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 126 East Pike Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301.

The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. Friends will be received in the funeral home on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 5pm until 7pm. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church, 126 East Pike Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301 on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10am with Rev. Msgr. Paul Hudock presiding. A service of committal will follow in the Bridgeport Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.