Billy Warren Gregory

Bill was born on May 17, 1928 in Altamont, Missouri, the oldest son of Lawrence Nelson “Pete” Gregory and Martha Fern (Depuy) Gregory. His brothers, Ronald Lee (Ronny) and Lawrence Junior (Larry) were born in Altamont, MO in 1931 and 1934 where they were raised.

In 1946, after Bill graduated from Trenton High School, he enlisted in the US Navy. After completing basic training, he was selected to train in the Naval Air Corps with the goal of flying helicopters. In 1947, while enroute to train in Florida, Bill was summoned home to Trenton by the Navy after his father was killed in an accident.

Bill needed to work and care for his widowed mother and younger brothers.

During 1948 – 1949 Bill completed his freshman year at Trenton Junior College. During this time, he worked and enrolled in the University of Missouri in fall 1950, along with his soon to be wife, Elsie Diane “Diane” Muff. Bill and Diane married in February 1951. They lived in Columbia, MO while Bill finished his Bachelor’s degree in geology, and his Master’s in petroleum geology. While Bill was completing his thesis, Diane gave birth to their first child Julie Ann, in Trenton in 1953. Upon graduation, Bill was employed by Shell Oil Co. as a petroleum geologist and he and his family moved to Denver. Soon after, Bill and family were transferred to Casper, Wyoming where their second child, Charlotte Jean, was born in 1956. They remained in Casper until 1965, when Shell Oil moved operations to Denver. Their third child, Robert Lawrence, was born in 1965 in Denver. In the late 1960’s, Bill went to work for Marvin Davis Oil to be a petroleum geologist, and a few years later, he was recruited by Don Anderson of Anderson Oil Co as an exploration geologist. Bill remained with Anderson Oil the remainder of his working years. In fact, he continued consulting work for Anderson into his 80’s.

In 1972, Bill’s first wife, Diane passed away.

In August 1973, Bill married Beverly Jean Bergman Lehrer of Englewood, CO, whose son, Brett William Lehrer, joined the family. In their free time while raising their sons, Bill and Beverly enjoyed bowling and golf leagues, going to football games with the King Bees, activities at the Petroleum Club and Pinehurst Country Club, and occasional trips to play golf. Bill enjoyed socializing with his friends, oil business associates, and neighbors. He took many trips home to Missouri over the years for the Alumni Reunion over Labor Day weekend. His last trip was in 2012. In their later years, he and his brothers and old friends kept in touch by regular phone calls. Bill went to Silver Sneakers “workout” classes at the rec center until COVID quarantine restrictions shut classes down in 2020. The other attendees said they enjoyed his singing to the oldies his mom taught him in his youth. His regular lunch dates with his buddy were enjoyed by both until 2020.

Bill had a collection of hats and neckties, and was known as a snappy dresser. After retirement, he acquired a collection of stylish sneakers. He will be remembered for his wit and dry sense of humor, his infectious laugh, and his happy disposition. Bill was one of the nice guys. As he wished, Bill remained in his home of 56 years until the very end under the care of his family. The family thanks Lutheran Hospice for providing comfort, love and support to Bill and his family.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, mother and stepfather Ross McClintic, both his brothers, his first wife, his son, Robby, his granddaughter, Erin Diane Bredengerd and many extended family members.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his daughters, Julie Bredengerd (Patrick) of Erie, CO and Charlotte Gregory (Rodd) of Lakewood; his stepson, Brett Lehrer (Katie) of Littleton; his grandchildren Scott Bredengerd of Brooklyn, NY; Amanda Rodd of San Diego, CA; Heather Rodd Pelican (Adam) of Frederick CO; Sara Bredengerd Ligrani (Brett) of Westminster, CO; and one great granddaughter, Luna Jane Pelican; many nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family; as well as dear friends and neighbors Lenny, Rose Ann and Russ.

Because of rising COVID infections, there are no memorial services planned at this time. Bill chose cremation, and per his wishes, his ashes will be interred in the family plot at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary and Cemetery, 7777 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

If desired, memorial donations may be made in memory of Bill to Lutheran Hospice at Collier Hospice Center through SCL Lutheran Medical Center Foundation 8300 W. 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 or a charity of your choice.