Gus Athanas

Age 91, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2008. Beloved husband of the late Victoria L. and Ann P. brother of the late Tom Athanas, loving father of Elaine (Dan) Ferguson & Charlie (Julienne) Athanas & step-father of Peter (Isabell), John (Carol), James (Joan) Wells & John Peter (Andrea) Dunn; cherished grandfather of Robert (Pam), Katherine (Jason) & Stephen (Jennifer) Strickland; cherished step-grandfather of Geoffrey, Cary, Marion, Mary and Thomas Wells, Dawn (Jim) and Christian (Erica) Clark, Rebecca (John) Bradford, Justin Mickus, Jessica, Jared and Mariah Dunn; great-grandfather of eight. Born in Bethlehem, PA, Gus moved to San Angelo, TX at a young age and always considered himself a Texan. During WWII, he was stationed in the Philippines where he earned the rank of Captain in the Marines. Gus married Vickie before going overseas and upon his return moved to Austin TX, and earned his Masters in Petroleum Engineering from his beloved, University of Texas. They adopted two children, Elaine and Charlie, and eventually lived in places as varied as Calgary, Alberta and New Orleans. He retired from Standard Oil of Indiana (Amoco) after 30 years and moved to Panorama Village outside of Houston TX. Vickie and Gus played golf until she passed away in 1987. Three years later, Gus married Ann, moved to Boston and grew his extended family. An avid golfer and outdoorsman, he loved fishing, gardening, snow skiing, and walking. Ann passed away in 2003 and Gus moved to Evanston, IL to be with his son, Charlie, and daughter-in-law, Julienne. He spent his remaining years enjoying life at the Presbyterian Homes. An inurnment service will be held at Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Thur., Sept. 18, 2008 at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: The Lewy Body Dementia Assoc. (www.lbda.org) or Fisher House Foundation (www.fisher house.org). Arrangements by Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, Wilmette, IL 847-251-8200.