Dr. Louis Gregory Economou, PhD

Dr. Louis Gregory Economou
Saginaw, Michigan
Passed away Monday, June 22, 2020, at University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor after an extensive illness with his family by his side. Age 80 years old. Louis Economou was born April 28, 1940, in Maratho, Karditsa, Greece, the son of the late Father Gregory Economou and Presvytera Alexandra (Vasiliou). In 1948, he came to the United States with his mother and siblings to join Fr. Economou in Lawrence, Massachusetts before coming to Saginaw in 1951, where Fr. Economou was assigned to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Lou attended Saginaw High School and graduated in 1959. He was a four sport athlete as a Trojan, playing Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track. He continued his passion for sports, and attended Alma College. He lettered in all four sports as well and graduated with a degree in History. He began his teaching career at Houghton Lake High School where he also coached. In the summer of 1964, he went to Greece and met his soul mate, Athanasia (Soula) Sianou. They married on December 20, 1964. Lou began working for Saginaw Public Schools at Saginaw High School in the Fall of 1966. He coached football and basketball for the Trojans and also served first as a study hall teacher, history teacher and finally Assistant Principal. In 1972, he moved to Carrollton Public Schools and became an Assistant Principal of Carrollton Middle School. He spent 20 years at Carrollton Public Schools serving as Assistant Superintendent and District Athletic Director. Lou was dedicated to his many students, athletes and community members whose lives he influenced over the years. He attended Central Michigan University receiving a Masters degree in Administration and also an Ed. Specialist. In 1984, he completed his Doctoral studies at Wayne State University. Lou was a pivotal figure in the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, where he served in countless capacities but his most notable was a founder of the Greek Festival of Saginaw. He continued to serve on the Executive Board until his death. Lou also was a member of the A.H.E.P.A. for over fifty years, and served as an Education Board member. He was also one of the founders of the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame and served on the Board for many of the first years. Surviving is his loving wife of 55 years, Soula; two daughters Loukia, Northville and Alexia (Evan) Houpis, Saginaw. Lou had two grandchildren who were his pride and joy Georgia and Constantine Houpis; three siblings Electra Innes, California; Euripides (Dee), Arizona; and Demetrios (Trisha), Florida; He leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families in the United States, Canada and Greece. His family extends special thanks to all the staff at UM Hospital for their love and compassionate care, especially Dr. Alon Weizer, who gave Lou an extra 10 years to spend with his grandchildren and family. His family will receive friends at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday June 29, 2020, where a Trisagion Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. Due to the Covid pandemic, a private family funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 4970 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw. A brief viewing will take place from 10:30am to 11:30am at the church prior to the private funeral. Rev. Fr. Timothy Cook will officiate with burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery where all are welcome socially distanced around 1pm. The funeral service will be streamed live from the church website for those who are unable to attend. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to the Dr. Louis G. Economou Memorial Scholarship at the Saginaw Community Foundation 1 Tuscola St, Suite 100B Saginaw, MI 48607 www.casefuneralhome.com