Obituary: Paul M. Ladas

Paul Michael Ladas, a member of the Muskegon County Bar Association for 60 years and a former elected prosecutor of Mus­ke­gon County, died April 26 at the age of 89.

A service was held May 1 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Muskegon.

Paul was born in Muskegon in 1934 to Greek immigrant parents. He graduated as Salutatorian from Muskegon High School in the class of 1952. He continued his education at the University of Michigan for both undergraduate studies and Law School. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was honorably discharged.

Paul married fellow University of Michigan graduate Patricia Yeotis in 1962. They moved to Muskegon and raised two daughters, Maria and Georgiana.

From 1961-1964, he served as an Assistant Prosecuting attorney of Muskegon County. In 1964, he ran for public office and was elected as Muskegon County Prosecuting Attorney. He was the youngest person ever elected to the position and served in that capacity until 1972 when he started a private law practice and worked until he retired at the age of 87.

An active member of the Democratic Party, his many activities included delegate to numerous County, District and State Conventions; Precinct Delegate 1974-2000; Presidential Elector 1992 and Chairman and member of numerous area campaigns for local, state, and national campaigns. In 1984 he served as delegate to the National Democratic Convention in San Francisco.

A lifelong member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Paul served as President, Parish Council member, choir member and Sunday School teacher. He was a life member of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Education Progressive Association) and a charter member of their Education Club.

Paul was a life member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association and recently attended his 60th Law School Reunion. He was a life member of the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templar. He served on the Board of the Muskegon County Bar Association and was a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Hellenic Bar of Michigan, the Old Newsboys and Muskegon Economic Development Council.