Gary Ernst “Bubbles” (Bubs) Fillman, 90, of Emmaus, died May 13, 2025, at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born to the late Ernest and Pauline (Brong) Fillman in Allentown, residing in the Lehigh Valley for his entire life. The majority of his life was spent with his soulmate, Vera Evelyn (Nonnemacher) Fillman, married for greater than 65 years.

He and his wife remained the longest at their home on Macungie Avenue remodeling the old town Haunted House for many years, home to one of the largest maple trees in town.

He was drafted into the Army in 1956, serving overseas in France and traveling to Germany, Switzerland and Italy while seeing the sites often via many a local bar with his dear friends, Carl Frederick and Joseph McCarthy, to name a few. He always spoke fondly of his days in the Army.

His work ethic was impeccable, working at the former Lehigh Safety Shoe, J & J Floor Maintenance and eventually the East Penn School District employed as a custodian for more than 25 years, retiring in 1996. This was followed by his second career working his way up the ranks of former East Penn Bank to operations manager but finally retiring in 2007.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving as a council member, usher and custodial adviser for many years.

He enjoyed bowling, gardening, playing checkers and cards with his kids, watching Johnny Carson and old war movies.

He was an active member of the Macungie Band for many years playing the clarinet. He was well known for his skill on the dance floor at many a wedding where he showed all the jitterbug moves, etc. from times long past.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, David and his wife, Kathy, Michele Miller and her husband, Kevin, Eric and his wife, Faith; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. May 21 at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm St., Emmaus. A visitation will be held 9:30-11 a.m. in the funeral home before the service.

Contributions may be made to Lehigh County Humane Society, 640 Dixon St., Allentown, 18103.