OBITUARY
John Louis Panas
1 January, 1930 – 17 June, 2020
John Louis Panas, 90, of Scottsbluff, formerly of Bridgeport, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Regional West Medical Center. John was born January 1, 1930 at Bridgeport, Nebraska to Louis and Stella (Kapetana) Panas. He received his education in Bridgeport, graduating from Bridgeport High School. John entered the United States Army on January 16, 1952 and served until his honorable discharge on December 23, 1953. While in the service he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Occupation Medal Germany.
John was united in marriage to Helen Papasaferiu on April 26, 1954 in Greece. The couple farmed in the Bridgeport area until retiring and moving into Bridgeport in 1986. John was a lifelong member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. He loved working the land, gardening, his flower garden, fishing, painting/drawing, and spending time with his grandkids.
After Helen’s death in July of 2014, John moved to the Western Nebraska Veterans Home in November of 2014 where he made his home until his death.
John is survived by his sons Louis (Patricia), Spiro, and Tom; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers Nick (Freea) Panas of Salt Lake City, UT and Jim (Fran) Panas of Denver, CO; sister Sophia Lawrence of Dublin, CA; sister-in-law Kathy Panas of Lowel, AR and Marion (Nick) Karahalias of Oakdale, NY; special goddaughters Stefani (Chikos) Murrell and Dora (Kochiras) Yost; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers Andy and Ted, sisters Angelina Mehas and Gloria (Mac) Thomas.
PALLBEARERS
- John Panas, Casket Bearer
- Joe Panas, Casket Bearer
- Tommy Panas, Casket Bearer
- LJ Panas, Casket Bearer
- Caden Panas, Casket Bearer
- Micah Schneider, Casket Bearer
- Karson Panas, Casket Bearer
- Chuck Murrell, Casket Bearer
- Ken Schneider, Casket Bearer
DONATIONS
- Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
- In Care Of The Family
Services
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Visitation
Monday, 22 June , 2020
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Funeral Service
Tuesday, 23 June , 2020
Memories
John Louis Panas
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYSamantha Takahashi
23 June 2020
Going to Uncle John and Aunt Helen’s house was always so fun!! Uncle John was always smiling and knew how to have fun. Always lots of local family coming together to spend time during my childhood. I will never forget you Uncle John, I love all of my Panas family!
Michael Panas
22 June 2020
Sleep overs at Uncle Johns farm in my youth while visiting Bridgeport were fun and exciting as many family members also remember.
A special memoires as an adult was stopping to visit uncle John and Aunt Helen with my family while traveling to South Dakota.
I always remember him as a giant of a man who worked hard and had a warm and friendly smile.
Wish I could have attended his service.
My love and compassion go out to my cousins Louie, Spiro, Tommy and their families.
Michael and Jennifer Panas
Elsie Conrad
19 June 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Panas family. I was in high school the same time Lou was and am more acquainted with some of his family. I am sure you will all miss him very much.
Norman and Helen McConnell
19 June 2020
Norman was in high school when John was and so we knew John and Helen. When we returned to Bridgeport in 1980, we rented their R Street house. And, our friendship with the family continued. We send our sympathy to the family and hold them in our prayers. Norm and Helen McConnell
NIck Panas
19 June 2020
My favorite memory of John was while we where both in high school playing football for Bridgeport High school. I was a running back and John was a linemen. Because of his blocking I was able to make my first touch down.
I,m very sorry to hear of John's death at age 90. John lived a good life and always kept busy doing something constructive. I know that John's spirit is now in paradise resting from all his cares and is visiting with family that have passed onto the next live. This my Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Nick & Freea Panas and family