Chris Thelas, 69, Vietnam Veteran
Battle Creek, MI: Chris P. Thelas, 69, of Battle Creek, Michigan and formerly of Lorain, died Wednesday April 23, 2014, at the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, following a 5-year illness.
Born in Corinth, Greece he immigrated to Lorain along with his parents and brother in 1947 when his family fled the Communist insurgency following WWII.
A 1963 graduate of Lorain High School, Chris continued his education at Ohio State University where he graduated in 1967 and proceeded to earn his Masters degree from Western Michigan University in Public Administration.
Chris proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam era and is a combat decorated veteran with decorations including the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and Southeast Asia Campaign Ribbon. He left the service at the rank of Captain and began his employment with the U. S. Department of Defense Logistics Services Center in Battle Creek, retiring in 2002.
Chris leaves behind his sister Helen (Regis) Smith, nieces Julia Smith and Christina (Nicholas) Fox, and several cousins in Greece and the Chicago area. He was preceded in death by his father Perry; mother Panagoula; brother George; and an infant niece.
A funeral service will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 2000 Tower Boulevard, Lorain on Friday, May 2, at 11:00 a.m. with brief visitation at the church at 10:30 am. Burial with military honors conducted by the Disabled American Veterans Post #20 of Lorain will take place at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Twp.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the SPCA or the donor's choice of animal rescue group.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.