Larry Gregg Obituary

"Precious jewel, you glowed, you shone, reflecting on all good things in the world." – Maya Angelou
A glorious soul, Larry Gregg, reached the end of his life suddenly at his home in Kansas City, on June 2, 2025. Born on February 25, 1943, the world was gifted with a life that would be well lived with kindness, compassion, dignity, honor, love for his family, friends, and strangers he met all around the world!
He will forever be held in the hearts of his devoted and caring partner, Dan Bergman, whose love and companionship brought happiness to Larry's days. He is lovingly remembered by his dearest daughter, Jodi (Tim) Riddle, cherished son, Brian Gregg; and treasured grandsons, Scott and Gregg Riddle; dear sister, Sharon Gregg; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends, students, and colleagues whose lives he touched. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Joseph Gregg, and brothers Rodney Gregg and William Gregg.
Larry grew up in Independence, Missouri, and became a lifelong educator. He graduated from East High School in 1961, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from William Jewell College in 1965. In 1968, he received his Master of Educational Leadership and Administration from UMKC, followed by a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and his Doctorate of Educational Administration from the University of Kansas in 1988. He lived in Kansas City, Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, through the years. He found true joy in Mexico, nurturing his love and profound compassion for the people and its culture.
Larry dedicated his career to education in many forms. He was a teacher in both the Independence and Kansas City School Districts, served as principal of several elementary schools, and was the District Director for Blue Valley Schools. He later became a Professor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and St. Mary's College, where he taught master -level courses and mentored countless future educators. Larry believed deeply in the power of education - it's ability to open doors, combat poverty, and change lives. In quiet generosity, he supported young men and women in Mexico, helping them achieve their educational dreams with the hope of building a brighter future for themselves, their families, and future generations.
Larry and Danny met through mutual friends and quickly formed a bond that turned into a 28-year partnership. Larry always said Danny was the "most handsome man" he had ever met! Although they were opposites in many ways, they complimented each other beautifully and created a wonderful life together. The relationship was built on trust, respect, and deep affection, and those values remained steadfast throughout their life together. Some of Larry's proudest moments were when he walked into an event with Danny at his side. Danny's wit and humor made him the life of the party, and with Larry's elegantly handsome style, they were an unforgettable couple!
Larry glowed whenever he spoke about Jodi, Brian, and his grandsons. Though he was a humble man who rarely bragged, the exception was when he talked about his family. He was deeply proud of Jodi, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a successful career woman. He marveled at her ability to manage it all with such ease and often remarked on how effortless she made it look. He loved that she led a fun, wholesome, and active life, providing an exemplary role model for his grandsons.
In 2017, Larry and Danny moved back to Kansas City, so Larry could be more involved in the lives of his grandsons, Scott and Gregg, as he had always been for Jodi and Brian. He would cancel anything on his schedule to go watch the boys play sports, cheering them on as a proud granddad. He was supportive with their choice of KU, and he knew they would have a bright future ahead of them He was a loving presence in their lives.
His son, Brian, is so much like his dad, kind and gentle, an observation made by many that would always make Larry smile. He was so proud of his strong character and open heart. He relished sharing life with Brian, making special memories. He would tell everyone how easy he was to raise, an observation Brian disagreed with about one particular time!! Beer and the police were involved, but the details remained between father and son! No matter what they were doing, Larry looked forward to the time they spent with each other. Afterwards, he would always comment, "he's such a good person, I'm so proud of Brian"!
Larry was a wanderer at heart. He had a curiosity and zest for life that took him to many different locations. Over the years, he visited 46 countries on 6 continents, embracing each and every journey. With his gentle persona and true interest in people, he encountered many strangers who turned into lifelong friends. Larry was always planning the next trip whether it was a cruise to Antarctica, a train ride through Europe, or a trip to New York to see a Tony award-winning musical on Broadway. He would often say, "travel is some of the best education a person can experience." He encouraged everyone to be curious, whether flying to a new city, watching a documentary about different religions, or reading a book about museums around the world. He believed in seeing life through another's eyes, as their unique view would be different from the ones we are more fortunate to compare with. Travel created understanding and respect for differences in cultures and taught empathy and love for all – important traits to Larry. Most of all, he believed in an open mind, which he said is "the gateway to learning and acceptance". Wherever he went he was a proud American, arriving with a warm smile, then with gentle footsteps, leaving it better because of his unwavering kindness and goodwill.
His dear friend, Marsha Ramsey, who shared daily life with him and Danny over the years, also joined them on many of their adventures. Both she and Larry were adventurous souls and always wanted to be on the go. They created some unforgettable memories, many humorous ones, often by mistake and not in the day's original plan! One of their curiosity-filled excursions in a rural town in Mexico, required understanding Spanish a bit better than Larry thought he did. A little mix-up with the language and the time schedules, and they ended up returning from a local festival at 10:30 at night to find they had missed the bus ride back. With no other transportation available, they hitchhiked in the dark, thumbing their way onto an open bed truck in very cold temperatures for about an hour. Suffice it to say, this was not their only escapade in San Miguel and other parts of the world! As only Larry and Marsha could do, they made new friends
wherever they were exploring or wandering. They were "partners in crime," confidants, and, along with Danny, they were truly "Family!"
Anyone who knew Larry well, knew he loved to change his home addresses! Fittingly, he left us doing what he loved most-preparing to move. As the packers were, literally, on their way to start the process of changing to a smaller more adaptable home for the years ahead, Larry passed away from a massive heart attack. It was to have been their "last" home, but sadly he never got to live there with Danny. However, there is some solace knowing that his final moments were spent with the anticipation of a decision he was truly excited about. Each home he and Danny had shared was stunning. Both had impeccable taste and created a beautiful ambiance filled with art, music, laughter, and love. Danny, and their beloved dog, Louis, have moved into the new home which is better for his needs, now living alone. Although it is lovely, the sound of silence without Larry is loud.
If he wasn't traveling or on the move, Larry was always doing something- he had an incredible zest for life and a genuine love for people. He would play online Scrabble and other games with friends, read, practice the piano, or sit in a coffee shop, visiting and meeting new people. He would sing, dance, or play the piano, knowing he wasn't the best at any, but that didn't matter because it was about enjoying life, and if needed, he could laugh at himself. He would spend time walking down the street humming, smiling, looking at the wondrous sky, or marveling at the scenery. He would always stop and talk to a beggar or a homeless person or at least say "hello" and give them a warm smile. To Larry everyone was the same – a beautiful person with feelings, thoughts and dreams He was never judgmental, treating everyone with equal respect.
One of his greatest weekly joys was spending afternoons playing Mahjong with his dear friends Judy Dechant, Linda Pearson, and Felis Gladstone. Tuesday afternoons became more than just a game day, they were a time of laughter, deep conversations, and shared connection. Larry often joked that these ladies were his three therapists! Often, the group spent more time chatting and discussing life and the world's problems, than playing the game itself. They were of like minds, always concerned about the direction our country is taking and the "whys" behind their concerns and confusion. He was a prolific Mahjong player and an excellent instructor, making friendships along the way. As was expected, he was a gracious winner, and just as cheerful when he lost, offering up his quarters with his smile. He was always at his best educating others; it was a gift!
Larry will always be revered as a gentleman whose life was defined by his honor, quiet strength, and gentle spirit. He will also be remembered not only for how he lived, but for how he loved - with an open heart and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people. His presence graced all who knew him, always with a helping hand, a kind word, and a heart full of love. He was "bountiful with goodness."
May we all strive to embody the compassion, generosity, and kindness Larry brought into the world. His passion for joy and love left an imprint on the hearts of all who knew him. He believed deeply in the simple power of kindness. He embraced everyone without prejudice, bigotry, or racism, and always accepted others for who they were.
Today, in honor of Larry, please warm the hearts of strangers or those in need with a genuine smile, a helping hand, or a simple hello. Show your goodwill as he would, and embrace others with unconditional love and acceptance. Let tolerance guide your day. That is how Larry lived and what he wished for the world.
The world has lost a beautiful soul. We are all better people for having known him. Using one of Larry's favorite words, he was simply "Magnificent!"
"And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and better. For they existed."
~Maya Angelou