George Peter Pappas

George, 87, of East Lansing; having lived a full and eventful life, and with his beloved wife by his side, passed away on Monday.

In addition to his dance moves and ability to make conversation with everyone with whom he crossed paths, George will be remembered as a World War II pilot, patent attorney, Colonel and most of all husband, father and Papou (grandfather). We will miss him.

George was born to Greek immigrant parents. An only child, George early on developed a capacity to charm friends and strangers alike. He loved parties and people and, with his "gang" of close friends – also sons of Greek immigrants – George spent his time flirting with the girls in his class and playing pranks on unsuspecting students and teachers.

In high school he played varsity basketball for legendary coach John Wooden, though George would be the first to admit that he would never be known for his athletics. His carefree life changed dramatically when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in his senior year. George enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was appointed an Aviation Cadet. In June 1944, after receiving pilot certification and earning a commission as a second Lieutenant, George left for India. While in the country he flew a total of 267 combat missions piloting the C-47 into the high mountains and deep gorges of the Himalaya Mountains between north Burma and west China in order to carry vital supplies and troops to the Allies' forward position. Through
this service as a "Hump Pilot" George was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters and the Asiatic Pacific Medal with one battle star.

Having completed his tour of duty, George returned to Indiana and enrolled at Purdue, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He continued to Indiana Law School and after graduation was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He worked as a Legal Officer for the
duration of his service.

In 1953, at a church dance in South Bend, Indiana, he met Ann Korbakis, another only child and recent MSU graduate from Lansing. After a courtship, they married on June 19, 1955 and had just celebrated their 56th anniversary when George was called to the Lord. She was the love of
his life.

Following their marriage, George moved to Lansing and became a name partner in the patent law firm of Miller, Morriss and Pappas. He represented clients both nationally and internationally until his retirement in the mid-90's.

George never lost his love for the military, staying in the Air Force Reserve and retiring, after 43 years of active and reserve service, with the rank of Colonel. For a number of years he served as a Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy. Through George's efforts, several local young men obtained commissions to the Academy and for this service George received the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Crowned the "Jitterbug King" during the war by his fellow airmen, George would be seen dancing at parties and weddings. His passion for dance was obvious to everyone who saw him leap to his feet whenever the opportunity manifested itself. To the very end, George loved to tap his foot to the sounds of Glen Miller.

Travel was another of George's passions; particularly traveling "Space A(vailable)" on military transport planes. Memorably, Ann and George traveled (commercially) with a group of Hump Pilots to Asia twice, first in 1985 as guests of the Taiwanese government, and again in 1995 as guests of the government of the People's Republic of China, both in appreciation for service during WWII. During the first trip, the Taiwanese Air Force awarded him Chinese Pilot Wings.

George cherished his Greek heritage and traveled to Greece frequently, most recently enjoying months at a time with Ann in their condo overlooking the sea. During one memorable trip in 1962, George and Ann adopted their daughter, Callie.

George is survived by his beloved wife Ann, his daughter and son-in-law Callie and John Winner and his treasured granddaughter Athanasia.

The funeral service was held on Monday, July 18th at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Lansing, MI. A Trisagion was held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Memorial Fund or Home for Our Troops, Taunton, MA in memory of George Pappas.

Arrangments by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home.

06/08/2022 EJS