Mikelis Dimitrios Podaras

Mikelis Demetios Podaras , known to family and friends as “Papou” was was born August 14, 1927 to Agatha and Demetrios Podaras on the island of Cephalonia in Greece.Mikelis passed unexpectedly on May 9th,2022 at the age of 94 in Sealy Texas where he has resided for 19 years. Mikelis served in the Greek Army during World War 2.

As a young man he had the opportunity to work along side a relative who had a pasta manufacturing facility. “Papou” had many wonderful stories to share about that time in his life. Mikelis went on to manage a hotel in Piraeus Greece. He had many stories to share about that period in his life as well.

Mikelis came to the United States in 1958, He married his wife Maria of over 50 years and settled in Houston, Texas . In Houston he joined his wife’s family in the restaurant business and became a Restauranteur himself.

Mikelis is predeceased by by his wife Maria, his parents and his brothers. Mikelis is survived by daughters:Adrienne Xydis and Christi Callahan. His sons: Perry Podaras and wife Koda’ and Jimmy Podaras and wife Julie.His grandson, Kenneth Christopher Callahan and wife Elise. His granddaughters; Olivia, Mekela, and Isabella Maria Podaras, His Great grandson, Nicholas Dylan Callihan and Great granddaughter, Emilia Callihan . Nephews: Demetios , Johnny, and Demetrios Jr Podaras and niece Kaliroy all of Greece.

“Papou” as many of his community knew him had a passion for walking. He walked 2 to 4 miles every morning up to the moment he passed. Papou had made many friends in the Community of Sealy during his long walks. All of us admired his pursuit to his good health. “Papou”also loved gardening and tending to his goats,

“Papou”s” greatest joy was his beautiful granddaughters and handsome great grandson.

Mikelis, “Papou”, will be missed greatly by his family and many friends .

A funeral service for Mikelis will be held Monday, May 16, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM at St Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the PODARAS family.