Peter Emmanuel Papantonakis

Born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 7, 1929 to Emmanuel Papantonakis and Eugenia Dimitrakis, he was raised in Ierapetra, Crete and moved back to the United States at age 18. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served in the Korean Conflict. Throughout his life he was prominent in the shipping industry.

He married Elaine Mary Jo Gavrel in 1968. His most cherished role in life was that of “Papou.” He was a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox Church and a 32nd degree Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his son, Johnny P. Papantonakis, his wife Caryn and their son Xander Peter and daughter Zoe Eleni; his daughter, Katina Papantonakis and her daughter Daniela and son Noah; his son, Mike Papantonakis, his wife Carla and their daughter Tina and son Nick; his daughter, Genie Van Pelt, her husband Don and their son Steve; his beloved Tyler and Mia; and his godson, Kostaki Tsokos.

The family will greet friends on Monday, July 8, 2013 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with the Trisagion Prayer at 6:30 pm in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 11:00 am at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006. Burial and military honors will follow at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038. Pallbearers: Tomo Kaneda, George Tsioros, Greg Tsioros, Clive Markland, John Gavrel, Chris Gavrel, Tommy Gavrel, Yanni Gavrel, Konstantine Kalfas and Michael Kriticos.