Louis Pozez

TUCSON, AZ- Born September 19, 1921 in Brest Litovks, Poland passed away peacefully at home February 29, 2008 in Tucson, AZ after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. Louis was a beloved husband, father; grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a devoted husband to Ruthann for 61 years and their marriage was always emulated by those who knew them but never duplicated. Louis left Poland in 1938 with his sister Irene and two Aunts. They traveled to Topeka, Kansas where Louis made his home for 45 plus years. Louis served in the US Army from 1942 to 1946 as a Master Sergeant. After the war Louis began his distinguished business career with his first cousin (brother) Shaol and his Uncle Abe Pozez. After several years in the surplus and general merchandise business Louis co-founded Payless Shoes in 1956 with Shaol Pozez and his brother-in-law Larry Kornbleet. With his amazing financial mind, Louis grew Payless into the nations leading footwear retailer and in 1979 Payless was merged into May Department Stores. Over the many years of his successful business life, Louis was involved in many other businesses as a professional board member. These organizations included, founding member of the board of Pizza Hut, Wichita, KS, Frederick Herrod Meat Packers, Detroit, MI, Discount Fabrics, Portland OR, The Menninger Foundation, Topeka, KS and The May Department Stores, St. Louis, MO. In addition to the above, Louis was sought out by several banks to serve on their boards including Merchants Produce Bank of Kansas City, Fidelity Bank of Topeka and The National Bank of Tucson. Louis was also heavily involved in many Jewish activities during this time including Temple Beth Shalom of Topeka, KS, United Jewish Appeal, Bnai Brith, Israel Bonds and others. Louis retired to Tucson, AZ in 1983 to devote his time to his family and philanthropic activities. His presence in Tucson along with his wife Ruthann changed the Jewish landscape through their tireless efforts. From the new campuses for Tucson Hebrew Academy and the Jewish Community Center, the development of the Tucson Jewish Community Foundation, an executive committee member and life board member of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and several other organizations, Louis touched the lives of many people. He will be remembered as a gentle, compassionate, man who modeled integrity, generosity, and commitment. He was a fun, happy man who always had something nice to say and he inspired all who loved him with his selfless attitude. He is survived by his wife Ruthann, children Dr. Stephen Pozez of Tucson, Dr. Andrea Pozez of Richmond, VA and Norman (Melinda) Pozez of Washington DC. Grandchildren Alex, Sam and Eli Pozez will miss their Saba greatly. Sisters Irene Youngentob, Boca Raton, FL, Evelyn Pozez, Tucson, Marcia (Stan) Kurtz, Ft Worth, TX, brothers Jerry Pozez (Deidre), Ft. Worth, TX, Alfred (Irene) Rosenfield, Dallas, TX and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Services will be held Sunday March 2nd at Congregation Anshei Israel at 1:30 p.m. with graveside services to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Louiss favorite charities including The Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona and the Tucson Hebrew Academy. The family also wishes to thank William Meyer for his incredible loving care for Louis and also wants to thank Casa de la Luz Hospice, Frances Soto. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, Tucson, AZ. Louis Pozez