Mr. Gregory G. McLeod

GREGORY GERSHWIN MCLEOD, man of God and resident of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his daughter's home on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. He was 75. Gregory was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on March 24, 1949, to loving parents, Hosea and Lorene McLeod. He was the second of eight children. Gregory was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Hosea and Lorene McLeod, loving mother-in-law, Nellie Tucker, adoring siblings Glenn McLeod, Gary McLeod, and Diane Walker, cherished nephew John McLeod, and cherished grandson Marlin Caldwell.
Gregory had a reverence for God as a child and was baptized at Palestine Baptist Church where he sang in the choir alongside his seven siblings. He was an incredibly curious child who loved to know how things worked, often taking things apart, then putting them back together again to his satisfaction. Beginning at about five years old, Gregory could be found standing on a milk crate, watching his father fix the family cars. He would watch and point and ask questions about everything under the hood. This curiosity turned into a passion in life to "fix" things – both personally and professionally. He was the consummate perfectionist. He would measure, then measure, then measure again until he was assured that everything was perfect; often saying, "Measure twice. Cut once."
Gregory's love for learning blossomed as he attended Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools. He was a proud member of the Central High School Class of 1967. While at Central, he ran hurdles and long-distance track. He also participated in the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Soap Box Derby. Gregory excelled in industrial arts – specifically, woodworking. He began his professional career working for Ford Motor Company through an internship with Central's Cooperative Education Program, where students who performed well were offered full-time employment after high school. He was one of the students offered a full-time job. He went on to complete the UAW Apprenticeship Program where he became a Certified Electrician. Gregory worked faithfully for Ford Motor Company, until he retired after 42 years. During this time, he also studied drafting at Penn Valley Community College and took additional classes at the University of Missouri Kansas City.
In October 1967, Gregory married Althea Marie Oden in Omaha, Nebraska. From this union, three beautiful children were added to the family – Stacey, Christie, and Stephanie. During the early years of their marriage, Gregory was drafted by the United States Army. He decided to make his own choice, and instead, enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Carl Vinson and dutifully served in the Vietnam War. He honorably retired from the Navy, after 25 years of esteemed service; and received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, including one Bronze Star, and the Good Conduct Medal.
In 1979, Gregory embarked upon his journey of love with Corinne Finnell, laying the foundation for what would become a beautiful, blended family. On November 6, 1987, Gregory and Corinne joined in holy matrimony. This union resulted in eleven "his – hers – and their" children. Additionally, Gregory and Corinne spent many years as foster parents. Gregory and Corinne lovingly created a wonderful life together rooted in family and good times. They shared a love of travel, and ultimately, went to 49 states and two continents. Most of their travel was memorable road trips in one of their trusty, sometimes rusty, vans; including a drive to Alaska. Gregory always took his tool box.
While married to Corinne, Gregory joined her at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and was a longtime member in good standing. He was a pillar in the Mt. Pleasant Church family – pitching in wherever he was needed, working with the Youth Department, and also serving as a Deacon for over 30 years, including as Secretary of the Deacon Board. One of his favorite and most memorable traditions was at the Annual Church Picnic, riding children around in a train he designed and built by hand. As a reflection of his love for children, and making memories, he expanded the train to over twenty feet long. He also drove this train at the annual Fristoe Family Reunion, where it became a staple activity.
Gregory was a phenomenal example of a man. He took his roles seriously as husband and father; and, until his dying day, never wavered. He had a huge heart and was always thinking of others. He showed his family what being a man looked like, what stability looked like, and what serving others looked like. Gregory went out of his way to be there for his family – sometimes travelling hundreds of miles to help loved ones. He was a high-demand family member – no project too big or too small, including chasing a mouse out of the house. He was the go-to person, the problem-solver, the project fixer, and the muscle backer. He had broad shoulders and big hands; but he was a gentle spirit, compassionate, and caring. Gregory made an imprint and a difference in everyone's life that he touched.
Remaining to mourn his loss and to cherish his memory are his loving wife: Corinne McLeod; "His-Hers-and Their" Children: Stacey McLeod, Hemet, CA; Christie McLeod, Kansas City, MO; Stephanie McLeod (Bernard) Evans, Atlanta, GA; Deborah Finnell, Daniele Finnell, Michael Finnell, and Kathy Finnell, Kansas City, MO; Jeffrey (Denise) Carter, Janet Carter, and Elizabeth Smith, Kansas City, MO; Maressa (Ariel) Peralta, Toledo, OH; Grandson (Raised-Like-A-Son) William D. Hopson, Indianapolis, IN; and Niece (Raised-Like-A-Daughter) Leila Lawson. Kansas City, MO ; Sisters: Patrice McLeod (Larry) Thompson, Edgewater, TX; Denise McLeod (Steven)Thomas, Stone Mountain, GA; Natalie McLeod Wood, Kansas City, MO; and Carolyn McLeod (Elmer) Gillette, Lenexa, KS; 35 Grandchildren; 40 Great-Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends, including Riley Vance, longtime Work Buddy, all of whom loved him dearly and will miss him forever!
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, 10am at Mt. Pleasant MBC 2200 Olive KCMO. Interment Leavenworth Nat'l Cemetery, LVNKS. Visitation from 9am-10am at the church. Services conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.
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