GREGORY DEAN GILLEECE

GREGORY DEAN GILLEECE 12/08/1960 - 11/9/2024 Winchester, KS - Gregory Dean Gilleece was called to greener pastures to reunite with his steady string of beloved horses to continue on heavenly cattle drives, drag brandings, and roping's on November 9, 2024. Greg was an avid pheasant and quail hunter, sportsman, horseman, and cattleman. He is best known for his poor choice of jokes, his big caring heart, and lack of time management when talking. He was born in Winchester, KS to Veryle and Martha Gilleece on December 8th, 1960. Greg enjoyed spending time outdoors with his siblings along with cousins causing mischief and hunting any time they could. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1979 with much recognition. He then continued to Highland Community College until 1981 on a basketball scholarship where he was honored to be the first King of Courts in Highland Community College history (per Greg). He married Reesa Dee Drosselmeyer, had three beautiful daughters, later divorced and never remarried. Greg worked for the Coop grain elevator industry from 1981 to 1998, serving as branch manager. He then ventured into working cattle starting at the Larned and Turon feedlots, and later for CB Farms as a cattle hand. Greg finished out his working days at Hirt Farms INC. serving as the cattle manger and assisting with farming duties. Greg spent time teaching his three girls all sorts of sports and horsemanship skills along with fishing, instilling work ethic, and family values. Having been an active member in the 4-H community, he devoted a lot of time and hard work in those 12 years as a horse leader. He continued his dedication through his daughter's, Tia, Bit & Spur Training program, teaching hundreds of kids to ride. His love for horses, teaching children, new riders, and dedication to the cowboy lifestyle was evident until his last days. Greg leaves behind three daughters, although he has acquired countless "adopted" daughters and sons. The impact and legacy he has left is insurmountable. He never knew or met anyone who he considered a stranger, always becoming a friend, or family. He was known for being generous, giving you the shirt off his back as he never hesitated to lend a hand to those in need, and his swing dancing moves on the floor. His stubbornness was evident and well known as it served him well to the very end. Greg is survived by his sister Kris Carothers (Ohio), his three daughters: Bree (Eric) Winkler (Russellville, MO), Jordan (Ethan) Cory (Concordia, KS), and Tia (Trevor) Vogel (Pratt, KS), many aunts and uncles, cousins, his 8 grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and great grandnephew. Greg is preceded in death by his father and mother Veryle and Martha Gilleece, his brothers Delbert and Eldon Gilleece, grandparents Clarance and Lilly Gilleece, Jesse Miles Lavern Hayden and Lorriane Hayden, and his niece Amy Cummings. Greg has been cremated and will be laid to rest by his daughters. He had requested that in lieu of flowers, donations to Bit & Spur Training Program, Pratt County 4-H Memorial Fund, and Interim Healthcare.