Paul Michael Ladas

Ladas,

Paul Michael

Muskegon, Michigan

Paul Michael Ladas died on April 26th at the age of 89. He fought death as he lived his life - with stubborn will and boisterous determination. Paul died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and family, and with a view of Lake Michigan.

Paul was born in Muskegon in 1934 to Greek immigrant parents. He lived most of his life in Muskegon. Growing up, he spent his summers on Lake Michigan and working in his father's restaurant Coney Island Lunch. He graduated as Salutatorian from Muskegon High School in the class of 1952. He continued his education at the University of Michigan for both Undergraduate studies and Law School. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was honorably discharged.

Paul married fellow University of Michigan graduate Patricia Yeotis in 1962. They moved to Muskegon and raised two daughters, Maria and Georgiana. They settled in a house on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, a place that often brought friends and family together to enjoy a perfect Michigan summer day full of sunshine, swimming and Greek meals. Paul was usually in charge of grilling the lamb chops.

Paul's professional career spanned both public and private service. From 1961-1964, he served as an Assistant Prosecuting attorney of Muskegon County. In 1964, he ran for public office and was elected as Muskegon County Prosecuting Attorney. He was the youngest person ever elected to the position and served in that capacity until 1972 when he decided to start a private law practice. Paul continued to work in private practice, representing hundreds of local residents and helping them with a myriad of problems, until he retired, with some resistance, at the age of 87.

Paul was an active member of the Democratic Party and his many activities included delegate to numerous County, District and State Conventions; Precinct Delegate 1974-2000; Presidential Elector 1992 and Chairman and member of numerous area campaigns for local, state, and national campaigns. In 1984 he served as delegate to the National Democratic Convention in San Francisco, to which he brought his family and was thrilled to meet many of his Democratic heroes. More than almost anything, Paul loved to argue politics, late into the night, with his family and friends.

A lifelong member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Paul served as President, Parish Council member, choir member and Sunday School teacher. He was a life member of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Education Progressive Association) and a charter member of their Education Club. He rarely missed attending, with his family, an AHEPA convention of District 10 (State of Michigan).

Paul was a life member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association and recently attended his 60th Law School Reunion. He was a life member of the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templar. He served on the Board of the Muskegon County Bar Association and was a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Hellenic Bar of Michigan, the Old Newsboys and Muskegon Economic Development Council. He was a voracious reader and consumer of political news, loved opera, the West Shore Symphony and reminiscing about the original Greek families of Muskegon. He was a proud parent and grandfather (Papou) and was always a little sad when visiting family members left.

SURVIVORS

Paul is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mary Dedes Ladas and Michael Ladas and his brother Dean Ladas, to whom he was very close. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Ladas; daughters Maria (Ken) Hoopes and Georgiana (Chris) Grant; grandchildren, Katherine Hoopes, M.D., Mary Grace Hoopes, Clio Grant and Helen Grant; sister Ethel Peliotes; nieces Mary (Bill) Young, Dina Weller and grand-niece Rachel Weller; sister-in-law, Cathy Yeotis and brother-in-law Art (Sue) Yeotis He also leaves behind many relatives, friends, political companions and members of the Muskegon Greek Community who were like family.

SERVICE

Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 11:00 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Rev. Father Joseph Gingrich officiating. Interment in Fruitland Township Cemetery.

VISITATION

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home, 1469 Peck Street, with a Trisagion Service at 6:00 PM. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 185 E Pontaluna Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444 or the Community Foundation of Muskegon County - Frauenthal Endowment Fund, 425 W. Western Ave., Suite 200, Muskegon, MI 49440. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.

Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon