Constantine John "Connie" Eagan

1926 - 2023

On Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 6:30 am, "Papou", beloved husband, father, grandfather and great -grandfather went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 97.

Connie was born March 3, 1926, in Joliet, IL. The eldest son of Theoklea and John Economides, he grew up helping his father and mother on the family farm. He lived in Joliet all his early years eventually graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Prior to attending college, he gladly enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 serving until 1945. He was a member of the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was most proud of his participation in the liberation of the Wobbelin concentration camp in Ludwigslust, Germany in May of 1945. Many of his stories related to friends and family about this time in his life were nothing but uplifting and inspiring. Many times, he was asked to speak to school children about his military career when they were studying American History.

He was a loving father to 4 children and 7 stepchildren involved in every aspect of their lives. He was a loyal supporter of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and a long time Cubmaster helping to build Pinewood Derby cars winning the grand prize one year. He was also actively involved in Camp Capers youth camp associated with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

Connie moved to Texas in 1973 becoming an active community member in Wimberley, Texas. He was employed by Wide-Lite Manufacturing traveling the world designing, selling and assisting with installation of large-scale lighting projects, especially football stadiums. He designed the current lighting that you see in the sanctuary of St. Stephen's Church and original chapel. He also designed the lighting at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan. Eventually he worked with the Veteran's Affair hospital organization designing lighting projects throughout hospitals until the age of 70.

He was a founding member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Wimberley, Texas. He worshipped faithfully there until 2017 when he was no longer able to drive to services. He continued to receive communion at home until March of 2023. He loved God and his church completely, selflessly serving on many committees and giving hundreds of volunteer hours to St. Stephen's.

Another source of joy for him was cooking and baking, especially traditional Greek dishes. His family remembers many meals that included Greek pizza, baklava and fava. He tirelessly baked dozens of Greek cookies during every Easter season and gave them to church members, family and friends until he was in his 80's.

Connie was proud of his Greek heritage and would tell you about it often. Just as important, if not more so, was the honor of serving as an American soldier. He loved his country and never wavered from the traditional American beliefs and values.

Connie is survived by his wife, Patricia Eagan and children Dianne Millman, Joanne May, Thomas Eagan and Timothy Economides. He is also survived by stepchildren Beth Abbott, Chris Abbott, Lisa Fair and Leslie Jackson. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Athan, George and Alexander and stepchildren Michael, Cathleen and Philip.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, Stonebridge Health Rehabilitation Center and Hospice Austin for their loving care over the last four months.

A service in honor of Connie's life will be held on July 28, 2023, at 2:00 PM at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Farm to Market Rd 3237, Wimberley, Texas 78676, with Rev. Kevin Schubert officiating. A reception at the church will follow immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to:

Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759 - www.hospiceaustin.org or to a Veteran's organization of your choice.