John Orin Lilly

January 21, 1929 – September 11, 2026

John Orin Lilly, 97, of Clear Lake, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, holding the hand of his beloved wife, Helen, with whom he shared 76 years of marriage. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior after a remarkable life filled with family, faith, service, work, discovery, and an abiding joy in the people God placed in his path.

John was born on January 21, 1929, in Edinburg, Texas, to William Emmett (born in 1861, when Lincoln was president!) and Sara Elizabeth Lilly. The youngest of 17 children, he faced hardship at an early age, becoming an orphan when he was just 13 years old. At the age of nine, John had already placed his trust in Jesus Christ. That decision became the foundation of his life and remained at the center of who he was until his final days.

At 17, John joined the United States Navy and served for eight years. After his military service, he went on to study mathematics and physics at the University of Houston, where his natural curiosity and analytical mind continued to grow.

John began his career with IBM in 1962, where he became part of the extraordinary development of early computer technology. His work contributed to the advancement of computer firmware and software for IBM and the Gemini Space Program. He took great pride in his work, but his interests extended well beyond his career.

John was a man who could find wonder almost anywhere. He was a calligrapher, rock hound, poet, woodcarver, gardener, mentor, and lifelong learner. He enjoyed working with his hands, exploring the natural world, creating beautiful things, and sharing what he knew with others.

His calligraphy, however, became much more than a hobby. One of the most meaningful expressions of John's life was a prayer he wrote called “We Are Family.” He made and distributed thousands of copies of the prayer to people he met throughout his life. For John, it was a simple and personal way to share the Gospel. He gave these prayers freely—to friends, acquaintances, people he encountered in everyday life, and countless others around the world. The words he carefully penned to paper became an extension of his heart and a lasting expression of his desire for others to know Christ.

John's devotion to his church was equally significant. He was a member of University Baptist Church for 50 years and spent decades giving his time and energy to its ministries. He was particularly involved in Navajo mission trips, participating for 40 years. His commitment to helping others also took him around the world through Texas Southern Baptist Relief, where he participated in relief missions and brought practical assistance and Christian compassion to communities in need.

But for John, his greatest earthly treasure was his family. He met Helen, the sunshine of his life, in June of 1949. Together they built a marriage that spanned more than seven decades, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and shared faith. He cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Those who knew John will remember a man of determination and steady character. He showed what mattered through the way he worked, the way he cared for his family, the way he gave his time to others, and the way he consistently pointed people toward the Lord.

John leaves behind far more than memories. He was a devoted man whose life God carved into a character of integrity, perseverance, generosity, and curiosity; which God honed into him until his final breath. He leaves the example of a man who used his talents not simply for himself, but to encourage others and proclaim the message he held most dear. His writing lives on but his greatest inscription is the one he made upon the hearts of those who knew him.

John is survived by his loving wife, Helen; his children, Sandra Gunnells; Ken Lilly and his wife, Diana; Debbie MacFarlane and her husband, David; and Karen Blackwell; 14 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, friends, and members of his church family.

After 97 years of earthly life, John has finished his journey and is now at home with the Lord he trusted from childhood and proclaimed throughout his life.

A celebration of John's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 19, 2026, at University Baptist Church, located at 16106 Middlebrook Drive, Houston, Texas 77059.

In honor of John's life, the family invites others to follow his example: cherish your family, serve those around you, use your gifts generously, and most importantly, place your trust in Jesus Christ.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23