John Demetros Stathos

While the world hurried about its’ busy day, John D. Stathos, age 95, fulfilled the life- long ambition of any Christian. On February 14, 2023, John D, Stathos returned to the waiting arms of his late father, Demitrious Stathos, his late mother, Antigone Stathos, his beloved late wife, Helen Lampros Stathos, his siblings, along with countless family members and celestial inhabitants; and, most importantly, John returned to the waiting arms of his God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who were privileged to have known his life, can attest that he returned home to hear the words spoken by our Heavenly Father, “Well Done, good and faithful servant”.

John was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 18, 1927. After completing his high school education, John moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he began his venture into manhood, by working in a restaurant for his brother in-law. While working full time, John completed flight training and received and received his Pilot’s License, in December, 1950. In 1951, John left the restaurant business and begin his military career, by serving in active duty with the U.S. Army. John was stationed in Hoppstadten, Germany, attending the University of Maryland (Europe Division), for three years, where trained by the military in the German language and European history. While completing his studies, John was also trained by the U.S. Army and Civil, in the field of aircraft technician. Upon completing his oversees deployment, John returned back to the United States in 1957, and began his employment with civil services, as an active technician. John was transferred to Birmingham Alabama in 1960 and given the task and responsibilities of establishing a U.S. Flight Facility. His accomplishments include, technical and managerial skills involving such fields; as aircraft mechanics, supply procedures, personnel administration, staff financing and staff development. John continued his college education as well, by entering in the advanced studies courses, dealing with all phases of real estate and real estate finance. In 1961, John married his beloved wife, the late Helen Lampros Stathos, and while still a newlywed, was once more deployed into active duty, returning to Germany with the rank of sergeant first class, to serve in active duty at the Berlin wall during 1961 to 1962.

John retired from his military service with the rank of Sergeant Major. Following his retirement from the military, John expanded his vast knowledge with various companies in Alabama. Also, John was actively involved in the family hotel “Ocean Terrace” in Panama City Beach for twenty years. John is survived by his two daughter Ann Stathos Donnell of Nashville Tennessee and Mary Lynne Stathos Roberts of Helena Alabama. He is also survived by his son-in-law’s, Evans Donnell and Keith Roberts and his grandchildren, Kevin and Jessica Roberts, and Katie Donnell and his beloved nephews, Tommy and Pete Hontzas and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. John was also a life long member of the Greek Orthodox Church and served his community in Birmingham, Alabama diligently while maintain a majority of the daily mechanical operations of Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Visitation will be held at the Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral on February 22, 2023 from 10:00 am with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am and graveside service following at Elmwood Cemetery. John Stathos will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Helen Stathos. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to “Camp Vakakes”. For more details regarding your donation, please contact Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral.