Obituary of Dimitri Peter Pappas

Dimitri Peter Pappas, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Born on August 19, 1935, in Laredo, Texas to parents Emma Alicia Martinez and Peter Santiago Pappas. Dimitri was preceded in death by his parents Emma Martinez Pappas and Peter Santiago Pappas, who was one of the first Greek immigrants in Laredo, Texas. Dimitri was also preceded in death by his late wife, Norma Alicia Trevino. Dimitri is survived by his wife, Judith Mudd Pappas of Houston, Texas and his sister, Sandra Grace Carabaza of San Antonio, Texas. Dimitri is also survived by: daughter Sandra Ann Flanagan, son-in-law Steve Flanagan, son Michael Peter Pappas, long-time partner William Carr, and granddaughters Stephanie Grace Flanagan and Christina Claire Flanagan of Dallas, Texas, mother-in-law Alicia Z. Mudd of Houston, Texas, and step-sons, Robert M. Gutierrez, Jr. of San Antonio, Texas and Ricardo R. Gutierrez of Houston, Texas; nieces, Melissa Grace Shaw and husband, Andre of The Woodlands, Texas, and Kristina Grace Classen and husband, Billy of San Antonio, Texas; as well as numerous members of the extended family. Dimitri was a graduate of Texas A&M University where he received his Bachelors in Accounting, and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. Dimitri served the nation as a pilot and navigator in the United States Air Force. His career with the U.S. Air Force included a tour of duty in Vietnam and was stationed in Greece for a two year period as a liaison to the Greek Air Force. While in the Air Force, he also earned a Master’s Degree in logistics management. Dimitri’s distinction of honors with the United States Air Force include: The Distinguished Flying Cross, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, The Air Medal, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, and the Bronze Star Medal, for his meritorious service as Captain for the Seventh Air Force. Decorations also include: Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dimitri, a very dignified man who deeply understood the values of his faith, family, tradition and education, enjoyed his life in Houston where he and his wife Judy were surrounded by loving friends & family. Both Dimitri & Judy were devoted members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, where Dimitri was a Lector and both he and his wife were dedicated Eucharistic Ministers. Dimitri was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his glass of red wine on most evenings, political discussions around the dinner table, a passion for his faith, his wife, his family, and cooking. Dimitri also had a love for reading, football, traveling, and deer & bird hunting in south Texas with his beloved dogs “Guero” & “Caz.” We will never forget how much Dimitri loved sitting in his favorite chair, while watching his favorite PBS programs with Judy or visiting his children and grand-daughters in Dallas. All who knew and loved this very kind and accomplished man will miss him. A memorial mass celebrating the life of Dimitri will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 10, 2017 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, Texas. The Rite of Committal, with full military honors, will follow at Houston National Cemetery. For those desiring, donations may be made to Houston Hospice (http://houstonhospice.org), The Retired Priests Fund, c/o St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056, or any charity of your choice.