Sheridan native Constantine G. “Gus” Booras, 84, of Billings died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, in Billings. A memorial service was March 3 at St. Nicholas Church in Billings. An Orthodox funeral service was 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Nicholas under direction of Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary of Billings. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors.

Mr. Booras was born Jan. 19, 1919, in Sheridan to Anastasia and George Booras. He was a graduate of Sheridan High School. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder two years and played football with Whizzer White. He returned home to help in the family grocery business while continuing his business education. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 1942 and served with the 17th Infantry as a paratrooper. He saw action in France and rose to the rank of captain. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

He married Ann Pilch in August 1942 in Little Rock, Ark. He returned to Sheridan after the service and worked in the family grocery business. He later worked as an accountant for Mullinax Engineering and Peter Kiewit and Sons. He became purchasing agent for the Billings School District in 1967. He retired in 1982. He bowled and played baseball and football. He enjoyed following the sports activities of his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Stephanie Anderson of Boise, Idaho; three sons, Stephen and Gregory, both of Billings, and Peter of Boise; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Donations may be made to the Gus Booras Memorial Fund in care of Stephanie Anderson, 10480 W. Rockwood St., Boise, ID 83704 or to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 401 Lewis Ave., Billings, MT 59101.

Constantine G. 'Gus' BOORAS  1919 - 2003  SHS 1937

OBITUARIES - BILLINGS GAZETTE - March 2, 2003

Gus was born on Jan. 19, 1919, in Sheridan, Wyo., to Anastasia and George Booras.  He grew up in Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School.  Gus attended the University of Colorado for two years at Boulder, where he played football with Wizard White.  He then returned home to help in the family grocery store while continuing his business education.

In May of 1942, Gus enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper with the 17th Infantry.  He rose to the rank of captain while seeing action in France.  Gus was injured during each of the two jumps in France, which was the beginning of the physical problem that plagued him for 59 years.  He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Gus married Ann Pilch in August of 1942 in Little Rock, Ark.  Upon his return to Sheridan, he worked in the family grocery business.  Later, he worked as an accountant for Mullinax Engineering and then for Peter Kiewit and Sons.  In 1967, Gus took a position as purchasing agent for the Billings School District, retiring in 1982.

Gus was particularly fond of sports, participating in baseball, football, and bowling.  He was an enthusiastic follower of the sports activities of his sons and grandchildren.

Gus is survived by his wife, Ann of 60 years; his daughter, Stephanie (Andy) Anderson of Boise, Idaho; his sons, Stephen (Joan) and Gregory (Pam), both of Billings, and Peter (Shannon) of Boise, Idaho; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service (Mnimosino) will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, at St. Nicholas Church.  An orthodox funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4,at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.  Interment with military honors will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution to the Gus Booras Memorial Fund, in care of Stephanie Anderson, 10480 W. Rockwood St., Boise, ID 83704, or to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 401 Lewis Ave., Billings, MT 59101.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.