Gregory was born on February 21, 1951, to Forrest Edward Edelblute and Goldie Marie Hemeyer Edelblute. A lifelong Missourian and Kansan, Greg built a remarkable 42-year career in the grain industry, which he deeply respected and genuinely loved. He began his career while attending college at UMKC where he received his bachelor’s degree in business. He launched his career at the Kansas City Board of Trade, working as a chalkboard marker on the trading floor, handwriting grain prices from markets across the country above the busy exchange floor.
Over the years, Greg became highly respected in the grain business, spending much of his career as a grain merchandiser specializing in wheat. He later served as Vice President of Grain for Cereal Food Processors, a role he greatly enjoyed for both the meaningful work, friendships and travel it brought into his life.
Greg was a proud member of the Kansas City Board of Trade for 37 years. He was honored when his peers elected him to serve as a director, committee chairman, and ultimately Chairman of the Board, accomplishments that reflected the high esteem others had for his leadership, integrity, and character. Greg also spent many years hosting epic parties with and for his friends at the American Royal Barbecue Contest, even serving as an Ambassador to the American Royal.
Above all else, Greg loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose quiet strength and steady presence shaped the lives of those around him. He loved the beach, American history, reading, and he took great pride in creating beautifully landscaped yards wherever he lived. Greg was a thoughtful and considerate man. He was kind, intelligent, humble, and deeply loving in the ways that mattered most.
In his youth, he was active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He went on to serve as a Key Club Officer at Raytown High School, and while at UMKC, he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity, serving as social chairman, treasurer, and president. Guided by that same spirit of community and fellowship, he later became a longtime member of the Church of the Resurrection.
Greg is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine “Katie” Yunk Edelblute; his former wife, Vicki Southard Pilcher, and her husband, Mark Pilcher; his daughters, Melinda Kelly and husband Chris Kelly, Andrea Percy and husband Jared Percy, and Sara Panegasser and husband Jackson Panegasser; and his cherished grandchildren, Chloe, Hadley and Jack Kelly, London and Wyatt Percy, and soon-to-arrive baby Cooper Panegasser, whom he was eagerly awaiting. He is also survived by his sister and friend, Jill West and husband Steve West.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest Edward Edelblute and Goldie Marie Hemeyer Edelblute. Greg was a deeply charitable individual, and through organ donation, made a final generous gift that will continue to bless the lives of others.
Greg will be remembered for his quiet wisdom, unwavering love for his family, and the kindness and dignity with which he lived his life. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
