John V. Faber (1928-2025) was surrounded by family as he passed peacefully into eternity to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sept. 23, 2025, in Centralia, Washington.
He is survived by his children: Daniel Faber; Robert and Susan (Faber) Baker; Theodore Faber; Mario and Cynthia (Faber) Lujan; as well as 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
He was born in 1928 to John P. and Ellen Faber (who bestowed him with his nickname “Sonny”) and spent most of his life living on and operating the family farm in Independence Valley, Rochester, where he raised cattle, operated a commercial poultry business, and grew timber. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1947 and was awarded for participating with honor in extracurricular activities including band, baseball, annual, drama and music.
He went on to study in the Christian ministry at Prairie College (originally Prairie Bible Institute) in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada. He had a passion for youth, served as a youth pastor, and was active in the ministry, including counseling at Black Lake Bible Camp where he eventually met his wife, Carol. He helped found Mountain View Baptist Church in Centralia and Grace Baptist Church in Grand Mound, where he served and attended through the years.
He retired from a career in juvenile corrections at Maple Lane School near Grand Mound and also worked as a logger, a telephone lineman and as a carpenter. He built his own homes on the farm as well as others in the area. He loved working on his farm, spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing and camping. But most of all — he loved the Lord and the freedom to worship with his brethren.
The Faber family is forever grateful to the dedicated staff at Sharon Care Center and Assured Hospice for all the compassionate and loving care they provided John, and for supporting the family. Arrangements are through Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary, Centralia. A public celebration of life will be held at the Sharon Care Center on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
