George James Litsis

He was born May 25, 1923 in Kansas City, KS to James and Irene (Serras) Litsis. George graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1941 and attended KCK Junior College before joining the Army. He served overseas as a bombardier navigator with the 42nd Bomber Group, 69th Bomb Squadron, in the South Pacific during WWII, from 1942-1944. He flew 76 missions and continued serving in the Army and Army Reserve until 1983, retiring as a full Colonel. George worked for the Kansas City Post Office for 40 years before retiring in 1983. He married Helen John Thomas on January 6, 1946. George cherished her and was fully devoted to her for 75 years.

George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He always had fantastic stories, from being somewhat mischievous as a child to all of his adventures during the war. He was a tennis player, a golfer, an artist, and a carpenter. He also loved to do needlepoint. George seemed to be a master at everything he did and took great pride in all his accomplishments. He was very involved in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. He sang in the choir and actively helped with many Greek Festivals. There really are no words to truly describe George. He was a wonderful, kind hearted, loving man who was the epitome of a gentleman. He seemed invincible to all of his girls and will be greatly missed.

George was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Steve and Nick. He is survived by his wife; daughters Polly (Thomas) Kokoruda, Penny Anne (Dan) Smith, and Pamela (Jim) Keaton; sister Christina Perparas; grandchildren Angela Kokoruda, Amalia Kokoruda Standard, Allyson (Allen) Evans, Alenna (Kevin) Grund, Thad Smith, and Anna Smith; and 8 great-grandchildren.

A 10:00 a.m. service will be held Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kansas City, MO. Burial will follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association.