Paul E. Gregory

Paul was born January 24, 1929 in Kansas City, MO to parents Leonard and Ethel Gregory, growing up as the fourth eldest in their family of ten children. He proudly served in the Navy for 3 years in the Pacific theatre during the Korean War as a Yeoman Second class, performing administrative duties. After returning from the Navy, Paul met Delores Carter at work. When he brought her home to meet his parents, he said, “This is the one!” They were married for 56 years, and they raised four children together.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Delores and siblings Elsie Swoger, Marybelle Neece, Barbara Myrick, Theresa Gregory, Kathy Smith, Leonard Gregory Jr., Jimmy Gregory and Floyd Gregory. He is survived by his daughter Paula Gregory of Overland Park, daughter Brenda Yuen and husband Peter of N Potomac, MD, daughter Susan Sites and husband Darren of Olathe, son Steven Gregory and wife Laurie of Palm Springs, CA, his brother Bobby Orrin Gregory of Osawatomie, KS; his grandchildren Kelsey Horton, Abby Horton, Spencer Gregory, Tate Yuen and Kira Yuen; and many nieces and nephews.

With just a high school education, Paul had a long, accomplished career in banking. He worked for First National Bank of Kansas City for 47 years. At age 14, he started as a mail clerk and then worked his way up the ladder, retiring as a Senior Vice President in 1991. After his retirement, Paul worked as greeter for Wal-Mart at 119th & Metcalf. This was a dream job for him—getting paid to chat with customers! He made many friends at the store and when he wasn’t working, customers would ask, “Where’s Paul?” He was a friendly, familiar face there for 13 years and even appeared in a Wal-Mart TV commercial. When he wasn’t working, Paul loved spending time with his grandkids and he enjoyed gambling at the casino. As his kids were growing up, he loved taking his family on vacation each summer.

Paul was a kind, gentle soul who left an indelible impression on many people. Paul’s children and grandchildren adored him for his sweet personality and admired him for his positive attitude given any situation. He was a great role model for his children, teaching them the values of hard work, honesty and respect for others. Paul had the patience of a saint. Delores could be difficult to please, but Paul was unflappable. He was calm and easygoing at all times. Paul will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the following who helped care for Paul recently: Kathy Gregory, Laurie Gregory and Rosalind at KC Hospice House.

Join us to celebrate his life. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17, at Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A short memorial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Kansas City Hospice House.