[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Pages 23998-23999]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF KOMNINOS ``GUS'' KARELLAS

  Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart, to mourn 
the loss of Komninos ``Gus'' Karellas, who was known and loved by so 
many in the community of Mexico, MO. Though cut tragically short, his 
was a life surrounded by a strong family and a strong community, and he 
was a great example of an immigrant who came to America and took 
advantage of every opportunity this country gave him.
  Gus was a native of Greece, and he ran away from home as a teenager 
with only a few cents to his name. He emigrated to American in 1965 via 
Oakland, CA, and even though he did not speak English very well then, 
he managed to succeed against all odds. He ended up in Iowa working at 
a pizza restaurant, where he met Jimmy and Angelo Aslanidis, who became 
his good friends. They ended up moving together to Columbia, MO, where 
Gus worked at the University of Missouri for a short time before the 
three of them helped start the G&D Steakhouse.
  In 1971, Gus Karellas and his wife Mary moved away to help manage a 
new G&D Steakhouse in Mexico, MO. Gus bought the restaurant one year 
later and spent nearly every single day there, becoming a familiar 
fixture to the residents of Mexico for the next three decades. His 
popularity with people led some of his family to give him the 
affectionate nickname of ``Governor Gus.''
  Gus instilled his strong work ethic in his family, and friends say 
nothing made him prouder than his children Michael, Nick, Joanna, and 
Andy, who is an aide in my office. I have come to know Andy very well 
in the two years he has worked for me, and he is an accomplished young 
man with an immense sense of pride and gratitude for his family.
  Gus was robbed and murdered as he was leaving his restaurant several 
days ago. Since then, hundreds of people--friends and family, regulars 
of the restaurant, or even those who just casually knew Gus Karellas--
have visited the restaurant, creating a makeshift memorial of flowers, 
candles, and cards to the man they came to know and love.
  Gus Karellas was a loving husband and dedicated father, a good 
neighbor and good friend to many. He will be missed by all who loved 
him. May he rest in peace and may God comfort his family and friends in 
their grief at his loss.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Talent). The clerk will call the roll.

[[Page 23999]]

  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum 
call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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