Leo G “Lou” Bournias was born on October 12, 1933 and passed on December 12, 2023 (90). He became a member of the MCGP on January 27, 2005 (18).
Leo “Lou” Bournias passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023, surrounded by his daughter and son.
Always sacrificing for others, Lou was a kind, selfless person and very proud American.
Much of his youth involved spending time with his parents, sister and cousins, and working in his father’s restaurant, prior to serving the country by joining the U. S. Army. He recently recalled that he spent his 16th birthday working a double shift that included washing dishes and working the register.
During his time in the Army, he was promoted to play a key role at a satellite tracking station in Cuba, during the race against the Soviet Union, prior to Fidel Castro’s regime.
Following an honorable discharge, he returned to Detroit and met the love of his life, Angela Cholack in the Church bowling league.
After marrying and starting a family, Lou returned to serving the country as a civilian contract specialist with the U. S. Army.
After a few years, he took on an overseas 2-year civilian assignment for the U.S. Navy to Greece in the 1970s. With his wife and children, Karen and George, he greatly enjoyed this special time exploring the country and the Greek Islands on weekends and during holidays. Their time in Greece was a lifetime highlight and undoubtedly helped fuel his love of further researching the family tree.
Upon their return to The United States, he worked for the Dept. Of Defense at TACOM and was the Lead Contracting Officer on the world’s single commercial truck contract for production of six different types of vehicles, up to that point.
Lou & Angela, together were very special parents! They created a beautiful life and family together. Theirs was a marriage of mutual love, joy, and affection and created a wonderful family legacy.
While he will be remembered for these achievements, he was the kindest, most generous father, Papou, and friend. He loved his family, his Greek heritage and discussing history.
A fan of baseball and football, and specifically the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, University of Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans, Lou was one who followed the stock market in his spare time.
Over the years, he enjoyed weekly coffee gatherings with his friends and the Senior group luncheons at his church. He and his wife were great supporters of the Hellenic Museum of Michigan.
Lou was pre-deceased by his parents, George and Maria, and his wife, Angela.
He is survived by his daughter Karen Panagos, son-in-law, Dr. Chris Panagos, grandchildren, Dr. Angela Panagos, Dr. Chrissy Panagos, Dean Panagos, his son, George Bournias, daughter In-Law, Laurie Bournias, his sister, Feenee Horattas (Chris), and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lou Bournias’ family will receive guests at the A.H. Peters Funeral Home on 20705 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, on Thurs, Dec. 14, 2023 from 4pm until 8pm and the Funeral on Fri., Dec. 15 with viewing at 9:30 until the time of his Funeral Service at 10am at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48080. He will be greatly missed by many.
Memorial contributions can be made in Lou’s name to The Hellenic Museum of Michigan in Detroit or The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.