John George Loutas

John was a remarkable man, known for his strength of character, his knowledge of many topics, his uncanny ability to remember dates and his unofficial role as Greek Historian of Casper.  His life was a testament to hard work, integrity, and compassion.  He was the second son of Greek immigrants (George and Christina) who came to the United States in search of a better life.  He lived his entire life in Casper where he met the love of his life, a German Irish girl from Montana and raised his two children. 

Raised in Casper, he attended Roosevelt Grade School in North Casper, graduated from Natrona County HS in 1957, Casper College in 1960 and the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1966.  He spent his entire career at the Bureau of Reclamation from 1966-1997, retiring as the Chief of Operations and Maintenance. He married his soulmate, Betty Jean (Jeanne) in 1961 and they were married 46 years.  She preceded him in death on March 23, 2008.

John will be forever remembered by his loving family who called him Papou and the Godfather, after his favorite movie. He is survived by his daughter, Christi (Andy) Segal, Greeley, CO and son, Michael (Shannon), Gillette, WY.  His grandchildren, Kylee (Cassidy) Graham, Gillette, Sophia (fiancé, Alex) Segal, Alexandria, VA, Jessi (Cooper) Snowden, Gillette, Nicholas Segal, Greeley and his great-granddaughters, Ellie and Maggie Graham.  He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Loutas and Anastasios (Stas) and (Shirla) Loutas, of Casper, Aphrodite Loutas of Chicago, IL and his goddaughter and niece, Stephanie Kapeles (Greg) also of Casper.

His presence in the lives of his family was a source of strength and inspiration.  He spent the last few months of his life living in Gillette at Michael’s home where he was able to enjoy his family and be well cared for, especially by his devoted daughter-in-law, Shannon.

He was an active member of AHEPA, (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) where he took over from his father as secretary in 1977 and kept Chapter 159 in Casper going until 2022.  He spoke at almost every Greek funeral in the past 30 years and was the voice who eulogized many of his fellow friends and parishioners. He was also a member of the Registered Professional Engineers of Wyoming and a life member of IEEE, UW Alumni Association, AHEPA Chapter 159, NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees) and The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

He enjoyed elk hunting with his son and friends, especially the late Gay Nations and Mike Phillips of Casper, over 30 years of league bowling (where he met his wife), maintenance projects for his beloved church and spending time with family and friends.  His love of current events and history kept all who knew him with Papou Pontifications or Johnisms for decades.  His favorite show, MASH, in the late 70s and 80s, had his employees referring to him as Colonel Potter at work.  His favorite activity was coming home to Jeanne after a long day of work to share a bourbon or a Budweiser with her.

Services for John will take place at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, on Friday, January 5^th at 10am, 1350 E C Street followed by burial at Highland Cemetery.

If you choose to honor John with a donation, the family suggests, Wyoming Dementia Care, 2546 E 2nd St #602, Casper, WY 82609, Campbell County Home Health and Hospice, 300 South Burma Avenue, Gillette, WY 82716 or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1350 E C St, Casper, WY 82601

John will forever be remembered for his wisdom and humor, and the profound impact he made on those around him.  His legacy will continue to illuminate our lives and we will share our memories of John, Johnny, Dad, Papou and Fang until the end of our days.