William J. Pappas

William J. ("Bill") Pappas, 84, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 20, 2007, at Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 12001 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Mo. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2007, at D.W. Newcomers Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, with Trisagion Service at 7 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 12001 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145, or St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church, 8100 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS 66212. Bill was born in Kansas City, Kan., on November 11, 1922. He graduated from Argentine High School. He served in World War II and drove a tank in combat in Germany. He spent his entire career in sales, working for McDowell Tire, Union Asphalt and Elf Aquitane, retiring in 1993. Bill was very proud of his Greek heritage, and he inspired many with his spirit and good humor. His granddaughter, Kristin, was his pride and joy. He had a zest for life and a gift for friendship. His warm smile lifted our spirits and his cheerfulness was an example to all of us. He left a legacy of love and laughter to all who knew him. We are blessed that God allowed him to enrich our lives. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and one brother. Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Andrena ("Nikki") Pappas; two children, Gregory Pappas of Overland Park, and his wife, Sharon, and Pamela Farha of Flower Mound, Texas, and her husband Chuck; one granddaughter, Kristin Pappas; his brothers Leo Pappas and John Pappas; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Bill will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at the website www.dwnewcomers.com.