Eugene Joseph Guokas

Eugene Joseph "Gene" Goukas died late Tuesday night, July 3, 2012 at Angel Wings Assisted Living in Vernon, Apache County, Arizona from causes incident to his age. He was 87 years old. Gene was born on July 15, 1924 in Houston, Harris County, Texas. Gene served in The United States Air Force during WWII flying B-17 Bombers over Germany, at the young age of 19. He developed a love for flying during his service and following his honorable discharge from the military, Gene opened up a flying school in Texas and taught many others to fly as he helped them to successfully complete their own solo flights. Throughout his long life, Gene loved to fly motorized planes as well as gliders and always maintained his full Instructor's Certification. He also enjoyed to sail boats; even building his own 55' schooner from scratch. Gene also enjoyed a good game shooting pool. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia J. (Watson) Goukas of Mesa, Arizona. At this time no public services are planned. His wife would like to send a special "thank-you" to his caregivers at Angel Wings Assisted Living as well as Hospice Compassus for the tender and loving care they gave Gene during the final weeks of his life.