Gust Makedon, age 86, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, February 17, 2023, in Denham Springs, LA. He was born on December 28, 1936, in Peoria, IL to John and Bessie Makedon who had immigrated to the U.S. from Greece. Growing up in Illinois, Gust’s father owned a pool hall, so Gust was able to get a lot of practice playing and became extremely talented. Playing pool was something Gust enjoyed throughout his life. Gust also had a passion for cooking and was an excellent chef. He partnered with his sister Betty and her husband John at The Blue Lantern Restaurant in Aurora, Illinois, and later owned Pirogue’s Cajun Restaurant in Baton Rouge. Steak and onion rings were Gust’s specialties, and he was a master at the grill. On holidays, Gust and Eileen would cook together, and Gust was able to do the chopping for her in record time.
Other hobbies Gust enjoyed included adding to his impressive coin collection, bowling, fishing, and playing cards. When he lived in Illinois, he was on his church bowling team and enjoyed playing competitively. In Illinois, he would also go ice fishing, and later was fond of fishing along the gulf coast and Lake Pontchartrain with his son-in-law Alan. Both Gust and Eileen played Poker, Spades, Euchre and Yahtzee, and most weekends were joined by family or friends for games. His favorite movies were the old black and white ones, especially the old Godzilla, and he often watched golf on Sundays. Gust was also a member of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) of the Greek Orthodox Church.
He was very close to his family and visited or talked to them every day. Anyone who spent any time with Gust probably heard his favorite phrase, “Shape up or ship out.” Most of all, Gust loved his family, and was passionate about spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent as much time with them as possible, and the kids always had a great time when their papou played video games with them.
Gust was preceded in death by his parents, John Makedon and Bessie Lekos Makedon; sisters, Tina Gallanis and Betty Benakis; parents-in-law, Ralph and Mary J. Hutton; and nephew, Nicholas Benakis. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eileen Hutton Makedon; daughter, Mary Lisa Makedon Porche (Alan); son, John R. Makedon; grandchildren, Michelle Makedon Turk (Michael), Samantha Lea Hebert, John A. Makedon, and Joshua Patrick Porche (April); great-grandchildren, Halle R. Makedon, Carson A. Matherne, Marc A. Leblanc, Jace M. Quick, Chloe F. Turk, and Olivia L. Leblanc; nieces and nephews, Bess Gallanis (Rick Hayes), Stephanie Hesser (Steve) John Benakis (Karen), Connie Murphy, and Peter Gallanis (Chris).
The family of Gust would like to give special thanks to the Golden Age nursing home staff including nurses Kaye and Tracey, and aides Diamond and Leah, Audubon Hospice including Lanna, Christie, and Julie, Father Tom Ranzino and St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church, and the staff at Resthaven Funeral Home.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, February 27, 2023, at Resthaven Funeral Home. Visitation will continue from 10 AM to 12 PM on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, with Funeral Mass beginning at 12 PM at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church, 16166 S Harrell’s Ferry Rd. Baton Rouge, LA. Interment at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Monday, February 27, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
10:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church
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