Louis S. Caras, 95, Lake Forest

Lt. Col. Louis S. Caras, USA, Retired, 95, (Lake Forest, IL and Henderson, NV) born Nov. 14, 1928, passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2024, due to complications from pneumonia.

Lou lived a long and rewarding life. Born in Dayton, Ohio to Greek immigrant parents, Lou was the oldest of five children. He worked at his father’s restaurant, Sam’s Lunchroom, while attending school, including Fairview High School where he excelled in track and football, and was elected class president his senior year (1946). Lou then attended the University of Dayton where he majored in business and ROTC, graduating in 1950 with a commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army and soon-to-be platoon leader in the Korean War. Lou saw extensive action in Korea, where he protected the lives of his men and saved a group of Korean villagers from an impending grenade attack. After the War he met and married the lovely Ethyl Regas. Following several peacetime assignments abroad, including Europe and Japan, the couple settled in the Chicago area with their two children, Elaine and Mark, where Lou served at Fort Sheridan until retiring from the Army in 1970 with numerous commendations.

Lou then ran the family business, the always vibrant Riviera Lanes Bowling Alley, in Melrose Park, IL until 1988, and subsequently worked in bowling supply and sales until retiring in 2000, making countless friends along the way and earning a reputation as a truly decent fellow. Lou was active in St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, IL from the 1960’s-80’s, often serving on the Parish Council. He was also a longtime member of the Rotary Club, the Bowling Proprietors’ Association (BPA) and the American Legion. Loved by his wife, two children, four grandchildren, and many others, Lou cherished times with his entire family, including annual fishing trips to Ontario, Canada, church events, the activities of his children and grandchildren, bowling, golf, gardening, discussing politics, and any events where friends and family gathered.

Lou is preceded in death by his loving wife Ethyl Caras; his parents Sam and Helen Caras; brothers Gregory and Dr. Tom Caras; and sisters Jodie Gianopulos and Catherine Caras. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Elaine & Ken Britton; son and daughter-in-law, Mark & Mindy (Krafft) Caras; sisters-in-law, Maria Caras and Carole Caras; four beautiful grandchildren, Georgia, Teddy and Tristan Caras, and Tanner Britton, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Yes, Lou lived a long, proud and fulfilling life, and we are all better for having known him. We will remember you always dear Lou…See you on the other side.

Visitation: 12 to 3 pm, Sunday Jan. 28, at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave, Lake Forest, Trisagion Prayers at 12:15 pm. Funeral service: 9:30 am, Monday Jan 29, at Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church, 1207 Riverwoods Rd, Lincolnshire, Father Sotirios P. Malamis officiating. Interment: Lake Forest Cemetery, 1525 Lake Rd, Lake Forest.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Attention: Foundation, in memory of Louis S. Caras.

The Funeral service will also be live-streamed on the website of Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church (https://www.ascensiongoc.com/livestream).