Spiro "Sam" Contos

Col. Spiro J. "Sam" Contos, 77 of Cheyenne, Wyoming, died October 12, 2011, at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne. He was born September 21, 1934, in Rawlins, WY and had lived in Cheyenne for 51 years. He earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Wyoming in 1957 and an M.A. Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1963. Sam was a teacher/administrator in Laramie County School District #1 for 34 years, having taught in Rawlins and Hillsdale prior to his career in Cheyenne. He retired in 1993. He also spent 38 years in the U. S. Army, both on active duty and the reserves, rising to the rank and retiring as a Colonel. He was a lifetime member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church where he served as Parish Council President, Greek Festival Chairman and was active on numerous committees. Sam was an avid outdoorsman, loving hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and spending time with his family and friends at his beloved cabin. He was an active volunteer on the Cheyenne Frontier Days Public Relations Committee, CFD HEELS and was also a member of Kiwanis and the Masonic Lodge in both Cheyenne and Rawlins. Sam's greatest joy in life was being the greatest "Papou" to his twin grandchildren, Nico and Secia. He is survived by his loving wife, Stella (Talagan) Contos whom he married June 19, 1960, in Cheyenne; a son, John J. Contos (Connie Garrett) of Cheyenne; a daughter, Marti Ann (Vince) Porreco of Arvada, CO; a sister, Evangeline Mack of Helena, MT; two grandchildren, Nico and Secia Porreco of Arvada, CO; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Sam is preceded in death by his parents, John and Marina Contos; his father and mother-in-law, Paul and Anastasia Talagan; and a brother, James J. Contos. A Trisagion service will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the Schrader Chapel. A funeral service will be conducted on Monday Oct 17th at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church with the Rev. Dean P. Talagan, Rev. George Gartelos, and the Rev. Peter Harrison officiating. A reception will be held at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Buckle Club after the interment in Beth El Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John C. Contos, William P. Langlas, James Mack, Dr. A. J. Meares, Nico Porreco and Paul Talagan. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Andrikopoulous, Nick Anest, Jerry Ciz, Pete Contos, Lloyd Flint, Brad Freeman, John Hatanelas, Pete Kithas, William J. Langlas, Dean Mack, Joe Peach, Rod Phillips, George Zaharas, Pete Zaharas, Steve Zaharas and Charles Zumo. All his coffee buddies, CFD Public Relations Committee and all his beloved relatives and friends. Friends who wish to contribute may make donations to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Othodox Church c/o Community Center Building Fund, 501 West 27th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82001, or to Davis Hospice Center, 6000 Sycamore, Cheyenne, WY 82009.

Service

Monday, October 17, 2011 10:00am

Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

501 W. 27th St.

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Visitation

Sunday, October 16, 2011 10:00am - 6:00pm

Schrader Funeral Home

2323 Carey Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Interment

Beth El Cemetery

Pershing and Seymour Ave.

CHEYENNE, WY 82001