Gregory Lynn Temple, DDS
Gregory Lynn Temple, DDS
Dr. Gregory Lynn Temple, 68, West Plains, passed away on November 8, 2021, in the arms of his wife and surrounded by his children after a long-fought battle against brain cancer. Dr. Temple was born on June 8, 1953, in Springfield Missouri, the son of Lynn Leon and Neva Lois Temple. He moved to West Plains in 1979 where he joined the dental practice of Dr. Harry B. Kelly.
Dr. Temple graduated from Missouri Military Academy in 1971 as a First Lieutenant. He was active in choral work, sang in the glee club, and was an acolyte in the Academy’s memorial chapel. He attended Westminster University in Fulton, Missouri, and was an active member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity until his graduation in 1975. He was accepted into the UMKC School of Dentistry in Kansas City Missouri, where he was elected president of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity and was a member in good standing of Delta Sigma Delta, an honor which was tied to his academic success. He graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1979.
Dr. Temple volunteered his time to the West Plains Optimist Club, was a member of the Elks Lodge, and served as co-chairman of the Jaycees. He served the local chapters of the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded a certificate of appreciation for outstanding service to the organization. He financially supported the West Plains High School Booster Club, the Zizzer Band, and the West Plains Concert Choir. Dr. Temple was an active proponent of all water sports. On warm summer days he would often be found on Norfork Lake, skiing and running the length of the water with his friends and family.
In 1991, Dr. Temple married Cindy Ann Montgomery. Over thirty years of marriage, they raised two children, Timothy Joseph Temple, and Robert Lynn Temple. The family became known for their intricate Christmas lights, open door policy, and the assuredness of a joyful laugh. Through his life he maintained a membership at Covenant Presbyterian in Springfield Missouri, but attended First Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri.
In the year 2000, Dr. Temple, following the death of Dr. Kelly, began a partnership with Dr. Brian Morrison. Together, the two developed an outstanding dental practice which served the greater West Plains area.
Beginning in 2007, Dr. Temple oversaw the dental services at The Good Samaritan Clinic in Mountain View, Missouri. Through his work, many individuals who otherwise could not have done so, received free dental care. Dr. Temple was known for his dedication to the clinic, often donating and working thirteen-hour days in order to provide the care and compassion which would be associated with both Dr. Temple as a person and as a professional. He remained on the advisory council for the clinic until his death.
In 2008, Dr. Temple was appointed to the Missouri Dental Board by Governor Matt Blunt.
In 2013, Dr. Alanna R. Temple joined the dental practice and from the trio’s partnership West Plains Dental Group was born. It continues to this day under the steadfast guidance and care of his surviving partners.
Dr. Temple was a hobbyist. Through his many years he created intricate train sets, skillfully built model planes and became known as having a keen eye behind the bead of a shotgun. He was dearly loved, and his generosity spread to all those who knew him. An avid prankster, joker, but a steadfast friend, Dr. Temple will be missed by all those who heard and benefitted from his love, advice, and words of encouragement.
Dr. Temple was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Lynn L. Temple; mother, Neva Lois Horne Temple Mitchell; stepfather, Robert H. Mitchell; paternal grandparents, Lyle L. Temple and Tomy H. Temple; maternal grandparents, Charles Jefferson Horne and Maggie Mae Hamm Horne; brother-in-law, William McDonald Tynes.
Dr. Temple is survived by his wife, Cindy A. Temple; his first son Timothy Joseph Temple and his wife, Alanna R. Temple; his second son Robert Lynn Temple; his sister, Pamela Temple Tynes; his grandchildren, Lynn J. Temple and Anna R. Temple; nephew Jefferson M. Tynes and family; niece Sarah M. Tynes.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021, at First Baptist Church of West Plains under the direction of David Ball and under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will follow in a private ceremony in Howell Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday November 11, 2021, in the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jason Spurling, Dr. Jeremy Reed, Dr. Tanner Johanns, and Dr. Charles Morgan.
The family requests that for those who may wish to make a memorial gift in Dr. Temple’s name, please consider the Dr. Gregory L. Temple Memorial Charitable Fund c/o Community Foundation of Central Missouri, P.O. Box 6015, Columbia, MO 65205. Memorial gifts also may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Melinda (Burgess) King
November 8, 2021 @ 6:50 pm
Cindy, T.J., Alana and kids, Rob know that our hearts hurt for you. The world will be different with Greg gone but he suffers no more. May your memories of a life well lived bring you peace and comfort.
Vickie Petkovic
November 8, 2021 @ 8:34 pm
May he rest in peace.
Dustin W Mahan
November 9, 2021 @ 9:27 am
Temple and family, I’m sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Kate Ellis Moriarty
November 9, 2021 @ 3:45 pm
Oh Cindy, my heart aches for you and your family. Praying for your strength and courage as you travel this path. Peace be with you and your sweet family.
Xo Karen
Kathy hollingshad
November 9, 2021 @ 10:30 am
It certainly says it all when it says he died in the arms of his loving wife surrounded by his children children Greg was a good man and he gave Cindy and the boys a wonderful life and he will be sorely missed my heart hurts for you but hes not hurting anymore hes dancing on the streets of gold
Sheila Falwell-Curtis
November 9, 2021 @ 11:17 am
So very sad to hear of his passing. Prayers
Ruby
November 9, 2021 @ 12:30 pm
I will miss Dr. Temple. I loved to hear him whistle as he walked in the dental clinic. He was very calming and reassuring.
Kathy Rumfelt
November 9, 2021 @ 2:10 pm
Cindy, So very sorry to know this my heart goes out to you and your family. Greg was a good hearted man and will be missed by many. You are in my prayers. God’s blessings on you. Love you Cindy!
Joseph R Deatherage, DMD, MD
November 9, 2021 @ 2:57 pm
Dr. Temple was an exceptional man and will be missed by all who knew him.
Greg led a life of service for his community and profession. He helped inspire my cousin, two brothers and myself to go into dentistry!
He was also a dynamic personality and his love of life was spread among his friends.
We will miss him greatly.
Joe Deatherage
Michele Holland
November 9, 2021 @ 3:42 pm
Cindy, I am so very to hear about Greg. Reading about his amazing life I wish I had known him. You were both so fun to follow on Facebook. Beautiful children. I am happy for all the love you shared. God bless and I will send prayers of comfort. Love you??
Wanda Hunter
November 9, 2021 @ 3:47 pm
Dr. Temple took great care of my dental needs for 30 years, I always enjoyed my dental visit. He was an awesome man, will miss him. My thoughts and prayers to all of family.
Bruce Dyck
November 9, 2021 @ 4:19 pm
Mary Jo and my condolences. Memories were made years ago so that they can console you during this time. May you feel the closeness of Gods during this time.
Darrin O Reed
November 9, 2021 @ 4:32 pm
A wonderful man and friend who will be missed, my prayers are with his family.
Carol Holt
November 9, 2021 @ 5:10 pm
Sincere condolences
Terree Funesti
November 9, 2021 @ 5:23 pm
So very sorry to hear about Greg. May Jesus bring you all close during this time, and wrap His arms around you with only the comfort He can give. Love and prayers for you and your family today and in the future.
Jerry Beach
November 9, 2021 @ 5:44 pm
Prayers for the Temple family, he was a great Dentist, and a true friend, a blessing to me and my Family, and will be missed by all who knew him. Always brought a smile to my face and was always a pleasure to be around. A skilled shotgun shot, and wing shooter! Rest in peace my friend you are truly missed.
Shirley gelsheimer
November 9, 2021 @ 6:29 pm
Cindy. My heart goes out to you and your family. May god bless abd comfort all. Shirley and Merle.
Andra Warren
November 9, 2021 @ 6:43 pm
So sorry for your loss! Praying for you and your sweet family! Love y’all Andra and David!
Mary Pendergrass De Siqueira, DO
November 9, 2021 @ 6:46 pm
Our hearts are breaking for his family and close friends. Our community lost a wonderful member. We will never forget him. Sending up so many prayers for comfort and peace for Cindy, TJ, Alanna, Robert, and all of the family and the wonderful team at West Plains Dental Group. Much love to you all from our family.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
November 9, 2021 @ 6:57 pm
We are so sorry for your loss, and are praying that God will bless and comfort you.
Christy Frazier Englehart
November 9, 2021 @ 8:10 pm
My condolences to Cindy and family. Dr. Temple as I always referred to him was an amazing person and teacher. He had such an impact on my career. He took a chance on me and taught me how to be a Dental Assistant and provided me with a career in Dentistry. I always loved going to the fireworks stand every year seeing Dr. T and Cindy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Bob Dillon
November 10, 2021 @ 7:47 am
Greg was always a part of our summers in Taft, Tx. Always enjoyed his wittiness. He was my favorite first cousin.
Bobby Dillon
Martin and Tonya Leik
November 10, 2021 @ 7:31 pm
We will miss Doc Temple, but smile as we remember him.
We are thankful that our paths crossed and will miss hearing his voice and his whistle.
He was funny, kind and generous and his passing will leave a void for those that loved him and built a life with him.
We pray that his family and those closest to him take comfort knowing that Doc Temple will live on because great men are never forgotten.
Martin and Tonya Leik
Joy D Weekly
November 8, 2024 @ 4:30 pm
Cindy & Temple family, I just read on your post to MaryJo regarding the passing of Tom that you had lost Greg 3 years ago to brain cancer. We are so shocked firstly and second want to acknowledge all the pain and difficult hours, days, weeks and months your husband, father endured fighting his valiant battle. Our son’s best friend’s dad passed last fall from brain cancer. He was a psychologist here in OP,KS. We stood by their family and were apart of their process of medical treatments and the 24/7 presence of the unknown. It’s been too long since we stopped at the office and met Greg and saw you, saw your grandkids after they were picked up from school. Our hours of passing through West Plains are normally after hours headed to or from Columbus Ms to visit our son’s Air Force based family’s home. We always shout out a warm hello to the Temple family. Little did we know your circumstances had changed. We are saddened for not being there for you. In writing a loved one’s obituary one tries to capture the essence of the person. In reading Greg’s last night and knowing today would be difficult due to the anniversary of his passing…I wanted to reach out and express how the words and sharing all his good works and what a great servant to the community he was. It shined of his love for you, the boys and family. We are happy to learn you were able to share that soulmate bond with Greg for over 30 years. I learned you had also experienced the loss of your mom@2015. We lost mine in 2013 after years of caring for both parents after diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia@ 2006. Dad in 2017. I read how you felt God brought you back to your passion for your gift of artistry. You are a blessed painter bringing the spirit of life to your canvas. We are in awe. If we were together, I would give you a big hug and pray with you that your life’s journey would be full of continued love and health our friend. Greg’s presence continues in many ways & surely brings a smile and occasional tears it’s ok as tears are natural both sadness and memories of joyful times together. You will be reunited!! Amen friend. joy & rick
Cory & Sherry Majors
November 10, 2021 @ 9:11 pm
So sorry for your loss! Praying God’s supernatural peace and comfort for you at this time. We love you!
Johnnie Deidiker
November 11, 2021 @ 2:14 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Temple was not only our family dentist but a kind and patient friend. He will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Johnnie and Carl
Keith & Nita Weaver
November 11, 2021 @ 6:57 pm
Praying we’ll see you again very soon, brother…
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
Kyliann Brooks
November 12, 2021 @ 11:50 am
I knew dr temple since I was about 15. He was my dentist and he always called me smiley. He was the best dentist around and knew how to make the person comfortable when working on their teeth. I also went to school with his son TJ and I give my condolences to the family and they will be in my prayers.
John Negri
November 12, 2021 @ 11:21 pm
A friend for over 40 years and a good man.
Gail Bruce Rickard
November 17, 2021 @ 11:15 am
Greg was always a lot of fun. I can’t believe that he passed so young. I wish the family, especially Cindy, deepest sympathies.