Donald Gregory
Funeral services for Donald Eugene Gregory, 60, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2017 at First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Gregory went to his heavenly home at 12:52 p.m., Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.
He was born November 5, 1956, at Cabool, Missouri, to Jim and Carolyn Gregory. He was united in marriage to Beverly Sue Parker in 1977 at West Plains, Missouri. From this marriage came two children; Brandi Nichole Gregory Montgomery and James Virgil Gregory.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly Gregory, of the family home; two children, Brandi Montgomery and husband, Greg, West Plains and J. V. Gregory and wife, Jaclyn, Bono, Arkansas; his mother, Carolyn Gregory, Willow Springs, Missouri; three brothers, Gerald Gregory and wife, Brenda, Willow Springs, Missouri, Brad Gregory and wife Becky, Hannibal, Missouri, Brian Gregory and wife Darla, Vanzant, Missouri; five grandchildren, Landon Montgomery, Nate Cardoza, Ryan Montgomery, Paislee Gregory and a granddaughter on the way; along with a very large, loving family.
He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents Frank and Blanche Cox, Gerald and Ena Gregory.
Donnie graduated from Willow Springs High School with the Class of 1975, where he received numerous awards in football and was an All-State wrestler.
Donnie was known for never meeting a stranger. The most common word everyone used to describe him was, “kind.” He always found a way to make others feel welcome. From a very young age, he enjoyed going on long horseback rides with his granddad. This love of horses and the outdoors continued as he worked for Richards Brothers Feed for 40+ years. His customers were always greeted with a smile and a willingness to help them however he could. Donnie adored his children and grandchildren, they were his life. He could always be found at the ballfield or court, cheering, coaching and mentoring not just his children, but all of the young athletes. He has always been known as the “nickname giver.” One of Donnie’s favorite things to do was to spend time on the family boat at the lake. His grandchildren always knew they could talk Papa into a treat or ice cream.
Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Willow Springs City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
The Laughary Family
June 12, 2017 @ 2:44 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend and we will all miss him greatly.
Many thoughts and prayers for the family.
David Hicks
June 12, 2017 @ 2:57 pm
So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. I lost touch over the years, but I remember him as a great football player for the Bears, and a solid kid from a solid family. May God comfort them all in the coming days.
Bob and Cindy Hardcastle Kirkland Family
June 12, 2017 @ 3:51 pm
Beverly and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Donnie was a wonderful person who brightened everyone’s day. Our love and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Karen collins
June 12, 2017 @ 6:23 pm
I knew Donnie from school. He was always a nice guy. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Phyllis Haley Gruben
June 12, 2017 @ 9:46 pm
Beverly and family, words cannot express my sorrow for the loss of Donnie. I just saw him and it is so hard to believe. My prayers are with you u all. may God hold you in his arms of love and understanding. MAy God bless you all with the peace of knowing that we will all meet again.
CLay and Phyllis Gruben
Teresa Eldringhoff Romans
June 13, 2017 @ 1:30 pm
To Donnie’s family – I don’t need to tell you what a treasure you have lost. My family and Donnie have put up with each other for many years and loved every minute of it. So very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by so many folks. Peace to you all. Donnie did a lot of good for everyone.
Dan and Rosalea Cargill
June 13, 2017 @ 3:13 pm
Dan and I are so sorry to hear of this. We remember Donnie as a very good, big kid in high school in Willow Springs. We have always thought of Jim and Carolyn and family as salt of the earth people, and will be thinking of all of you in your sorrow. God Bless your family.
Sincerely, Dan and Rosalea
Joyetta (Faulkner) Booker
June 13, 2017 @ 7:20 pm
Beverly and family, I am so sorry to here of your loved ones passing. I know that you have always had a great love for God and the things that He teaches us. In knowing this, you have the comfort of knowing that Donnie is not lost but in the Fathers very presence right now. May you be comforted knowing that you will be with him again and that God is encompassing you and your family with his peace, love and wisdom. You will be in my prayers as you walk this next part of your journey.
Nellie Adkison
June 13, 2017 @ 8:46 pm
Prayers for the family. I am so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. My dad and my husband both worked with him at Richard Brothers. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely, Nellie Ballinger Adkison
Mike and Diana Pace
June 13, 2017 @ 9:29 pm
We are so sorry to learn of Donnie’s passing. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Nale
June 13, 2017 @ 9:46 pm
Beverly, will miss seeing Donnie at Richards Bros we would share stories about the grandkids and how our families were doing. I’m praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Mike & Tammy Collins
June 14, 2017 @ 12:20 pm
We are still in shock in hearing the passing of Donnie. Mike went to school with him, our kids went to school together. We have dealt with Donnie over 35 years at Richrd Brothers Feed store. We are going to miss that voice on the phone, when we call in an order of feed. He had a kind personality, and was a great guy. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Amber Redburn
June 14, 2017 @ 2:05 pm
Brandi, Greg, and Family,
We want to express our deepest sympathy to each one of you upon the loss of Donnie. Each one of you are in our daily prayers. May God comfort, encourage, and support each one of you through this difficult time. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
Norris and Ivene Cozort
Carl, Dottie and Charles Biring
June 14, 2017 @ 3:56 pm
So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. We knew Donnie from the feed store and he was an all around great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Danny and Angie Hall
June 14, 2017 @ 5:48 pm
Beverly, J.V. and Brandi,
Danny and I are so very sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed all of the time spent at the baseball field. Our late son Darrin absolutely loved when he got to play with the Zizzers. Donnie , Mike and all of the coaches and parents always made us feel welcome. I got to see J.V. a few years ago at Jarrods wedding (as well as some of the other boys.) It brought back many fond memories. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Danny and Angie Hall
Vickie Petkovic
June 15, 2017 @ 11:50 am
So sorry to hear of the passing of this warm and wonderful person. Keeping his loved ones in prayer.