Donald Gene Gregory

Donald Gene Gregory, 87, passed peacefully at his home in Cherokee Village on Wednesday, July 28,2021. He was surrounded by his wife and four daughters.

Don was born on August 24,1934 in Latour, MO to James and Grace Gregory. He was passionate and determined at a very early age to succeed and provide a better life for himself and his future family.

On October 18,1954 Don was united in marriage to Zelma Hackney in Clinton, MO. They went on to have four daughters and began raising their family in Independence, MO. After he retired from a long career with the Teamsters Union, he purchased a farm in Calhoun, MO and enjoyed several years on his farm raising cattle and enjoying the country life. He loved fishing, boating, golfing, horseshoes, and camping.
Don was a strong, loving, and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance were the foundation for his family. His passion was investing in, and creating beautiful memories with, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the farm. His grandchildren enjoyed many summer months and holidays fishing, baling hay, riding horses and creating some of their fondest memories with their “Gramps.”

Don was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cherokee Village.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Zelma Gregory; his eldest daughter, Debra Candillo of Liberty, MO; his daughter Normie Tumey of Allen, TX; his daughter Brenda Cannon of Leawood, KS; and his daughter Tina Forman and husband Walt Forman of Murfreesboro, TN. Don is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Anthony Stone, Donnie Candillo, Michael Candillo, Kristina Cannon, Nicholas Tumey, Ashlee Cannon, Amber Tumey, and Bianca Stanley; fourteen great-grandchildren, Linzi, Trenton, and Caleb Stone, Drew and Johnny J. Wingfield, Lucy, Olive, Harlan, and Corbin Candillo, Faith, Shelby, Shane, and MacKenzie Couch, and Brecken Stanley; 1 great-great-grandchild, Declan Lane; two brothers, Harold Gregory of Knob Noster, MO and James Gregory of Warrensburg, MO; one sister, Shirley Weatherby and husband Terry of Warrensburg, MO; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Larry and Kenneth; and three sisters, Frances, Lilian, and Mary Ellen.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00p.m. on Saturday, July 31,2021 at the First Baptist Church of Cherokee Village, AR with Brother Larry White and Pastor Jim Everidge officiating. Visitation will be 12:00 P.M. until time of service on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the First Baptist Church of Cherokee Village of Cherokee Village, AR. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, AR.