John Solar died August 12, 2015, at Midland Meadows Senior Living, in Ona, West Virginia, after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was born August 17, 1930, in Mallory, West Virginia, to Joe Solar and Elizabeth Rezsnyak. He was a first generation American, his parents having come here from Croatia and Hungary in 1912 and 1922, respectively. The family grew up in a West Virginia coal mining community and the siblings eventually went on to other parts of the country to find employment and raise their families. John began his road to manhood by enlisting in the Army four days before the end of World War II at the age of 16. He proudly served until 1949. After an honorable discharge, he returned to West Virginia where he worked in the coal mines for nine years. In 1955 he completed his journeyman’s apprenticeship as an electrician and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) from 1960 to his death. In 1959 he and his family moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he remained for 52 years. There he worked in the potash mines for 35 years until his retirement in 1994. In 2011 he returned to West Virginia where his oldest daughter Paula and son-in-law Roger Griffen could care for him. Preceding him in death was first wife Irene Langdon with whom he had three children: David Solar (Judy), Paula Solar ( Roger Griffin), and Kim Redman (Lance). Grandchildren include Christopher Solar, Jennifer Roberts (Bryan), Brandon Solar (Amanda), and Airriell Medrano (Daniel). Also preceding him in death was second wife Ann Lanham with whom he had one child Kassie Stapleton. Grandchildren include Shannique Stapleton (Randy Garcia), and Chessa Stapleton (Sam Wells). John also has 12 beautiful great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents as well as siblings. Mary Davies (Preston), Steve Solo (Allie Mae), and Olga Molloy (George). Surviving him are siblings Helen Dziowgo, Otis Solar (Linda), Violet DeRosa, and Ernest Solar (Carol), and a host of wonderful nieces and nephews. Special thanks go to Kim and Lance Redman who were there when it was most needed. They know. And to son David Solar who was always there for support. A very special thanks to son-in-law Roger Griffin for being their when John arrived in West Virginia. He was invaluable in helping care for John in his final years. And a very special thank you to Midland Meadows Senior Living where John spent his final years. The staff were his “other” family and helped take wonderful care of him and allow him a few good remaining years. We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful care that John received as a veteran at the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia. His Home Based Primary Care team including Dr. Joye Martin, Nurse Practitioner Jane Armstrong, and Registered Nurse Angela Bradshaw, were instrumental in making John’s last year’s most comfortable. As per his wishes a private graveside memorial will be held at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, Virginia, where John will be interred next to his parents.