Final Salute

Gust Cougias, of Lecanto, Florida, beloved husband and father was peacefully called to his awaited heavenly home on Monday, July 5, 2021, at Health Center at Brentwood.
He was 97 years old. Gust was born to James and Nancy Cougias. He was raised in Gary where he worked alongside his family in their restaurants, The Savoy, and later, The Grand.
After graduation from Froebel High School, young and innocent, Gust enlisted at 18 years of age in the U.S. Navy 62nd Construction Battalion (Seabees) 5th U.S. Marine Division, V Amphibious Corps. He served three years in the South Pacific, including the battle of Iwo Jima. He became a member of the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) 15, swimming as one of the ‘free divers’ to perform a recon of Iwo Jima’s beaches.
While in his foxhole, he personally witnessed what most have seen in the iconic photo of the raising of the American flag. By the grace of God, he survived the battle without injury and was honorably discharged in 1946. As a WWII veteran, he was a member of American Legion Post 155.
Gust worked for many years in telecommunications. His experience in sales and marketing provided him the opportunity to perfect the ‘cold call’ and thank you letter. He enjoyed traveling and eating at mom-and-pop restaurants throughout the Chicagoland area.
Gust moved to Lecanto in 2000, with the love of his life, Elsie. He married her in 1952 and was blessed with two children. Gust loved his family dearly, always providing encouragement with his simple words, “All you can do is try!” Always busy, he enjoyed
cooking, reading, riding his bike, appreciating wildlife, and listening to music. Time spent with Elsie was precious to him whether doing daily devotions, playing dominoes, watching movies, or dancing the jitterbug.
Gust lived a life of faith, discipline, generosity, and love. In various capacities, he served at Faith Lutheran Church where he was a member. Devoted to his Christian faith, he desired to know God and make Him known to others with the hope of leaving a legacy of faith.
A precious gift from God was Gust’s ability to write. He authored many short stories for children. With his wonderful imagination, the adventures of Susie and Sam in Tabookaland have captured the hearts of both kids and adults alike. Over the years, 232 stories found their way to over 18 states in the USA and six foreign countries. He wrote five mini-novels and was currently working on a mystery.
Gust was known best for his avid storytelling. He was willing to share a compilation of experiences from the restaurant, military service, sales/marketing, family and/or church life with anyone willing to listen. Gust felt that storytelling was the oldest form in the world for communicating and bonding with others. He loved to laugh and the stories he told from his heart will more than likely continue to be shared for generations.
In addition to his parents, Gust was preceded in death by his three siblings: Lula, Irene, and James. He is survived by his loving wife Elsie of 69 years; son Dorian and his wife Jody; daughter Rebecca and her husband Jeff, cousin Genevieve, and many nieces and nephews.
To celebrate his homegoing, on Saturday, August 21, 2021, a Celebration of Life service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church with military honors and Pastor Stephen Lane officiating. Visitation with family is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, service at 11:00 AM and fellowship lunch immediately following. Memorial donations in his name may be given to Faith Lutheran Church, 935 S. Crystal Glen Drive, Lecanto, FL 34461. At a later date, interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. will take place.
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Published by Citrus County Chronicle on Aug. 15, 2021.