Gregory Tyrone Colbert was called home, on the same day as his late son Terrell's birthday, November 3, 2023, at Saint Joseph Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends. Gregory was born in Kansas City, Missouri June 25th, 1953, to Richard and Thelma Colbert. Early on in life he acquired an endearing nickname "Gaggy".

Gregory attended Grammar school in Kansas City at D.A. Holmes Elementary School, a bright student with many lifelong friends. Gregory then attended Westport High School in Kansas City, Missouri, making significant milestones on his academic path. Upon graduation from High School, Gregory attended Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City and HBCU Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was one of the first African American men to work at the U.S. Board of Trade on the numbers board. He had a natural affinity for mathematics. His formal education and his natural abilities and self-taught skills prepared him for a successful career in the workforce at General Motors. He dedicated his time and skills and eventually retired from General Motors.

He met Ginger Simmons through family and mutual friends while he was attending Lincoln University. He made it clear that he thought she was the one. As life often goes for many, they eventually went their separate ways. Decades later, their paths crossed again in a Fulton, Mo. hospital emergency room where Ginger was working. Within a year, they had reunited as a couple and began planning their wedding in Las Vegas.

They had one of the most moving, beautiful weddings, on June 28th, 2016, attended by three generations of family and so much love emanating from them both. From the moment the ceremony was completed and the tears from all in attendance were wiped away, it was clear to all those in the chapel including the staff of the chapel, this union was blessed by God.

They returned to Kansas City and began the Mr. And Mrs. Gregory Colbert life. Best friends, husband and wife, lovers and accepting each other's families as one. Regrettably, Gregory's health began to decline, and his wife never left his side. Every effort had been made to improve his health. No matter how much he complained he didn't want to go, she was always able to convince him, "Gregory, we have to try". For seven years, they laughed, they cried, and they did life together. God gave them seven years of true, unrequited love that many dream of but never experience.

Gregory loved sports, especially baseball and football, a fervent passion he acquired in his early years. A small yet loving group of friends, Cecil, Carl, Sparkle, James, son Marteze, and brother Victor, watched games and supported their teams. They shared moments watching the Chief's play, engaging in spirited debates over good and bad plays. He also loved automobiles and kept his own personal cars immaculate; Gregory even turned his wife into a "neat, clean car owner".

Gregory was a phenomenal negotiator. He was never going to pay the "Sticker" price. He was available for all in his circle to assist with major purchases and he was the best. He could and did wear down any salesperson, even the management. Gregory also loved keeping his yard in perfect condition. As it became increasingly more difficult for him to keep his yard in the way he was used to, he passed on those skills to others (his wife).

He had a great love for family and was always inviting everyone to come on over and grab a plate. Gregory loved all his grandkids, and always referred to them as his grandbabies regardless of their age. He always invited them over no matter how he was feeling. Gregory loved family celebrations and holiday dinners, especially his sister Marsha's Thanksgiving dinners. That is the only time he would eat turkey. Gregory loved his mother Thelma so much that when he visited her, he attempted to walk in the house without his cane or walker to conceal his declining health, but mom knew. Moms always know. He adored his mother-in-law, Verneile, and always made sure to give her a hello and goodbye kiss. If he ever forgot, she always said with a giggle, "You forgot my kiss", which Gregory thought was so cute.

He is survived by his loving wife Ginger Colbert, Mother Thelma Colbert, sons Damon Pettus, Marteze Colbert (Breana) all of Kansas City, Mo., and David Maddox of Columbia, Mo., daughters Jennifer Maddox of Gladstone, Mo., Alyson Maddox (Macy) of Columbia, Mo., and Elizabeth Maddox of Waukegan, Illinois, sister Marsha Lacey, brothers Victor Colbert (Debra), Richard Colbert III (Terri), all of Kansas City, Mo., Aunt Goldie Vaughn, Uncle Jack McBride, nine grandchildren, Ta'rhel, Princess, Airess, Angie, Alexa, Nova, Casey, Melody, and Bryson, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

Gregory was preceded in death by his father, Richard Colbert Jr, his son Leyman Terrell Colbert, and his sister Lavonda Colbert Scott.

A special mention must be addressed with respect to his friend Cecil. Cecil was like a blood brother to Gregory. He supported Gregory and his wife whenever they needed him with his caring and love. Anytime Gregory needed him, he was there. Even if it was just to talk, Cecil was always available. Ginger would also like to thank Christina and Valerie for their ongoing love and support that they have always shown Gregory and the family.

Special mention also goes to his sister/cousin Frieda Lynn who loved him as much as he loved her, with her unending long-distance love and support. His first trip when he got stronger was going to be to Las Vegas to see his sister/cousin.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for all the expressions of sympathy in the form of flowers, cards, donations, phone calls and prayers. Thank you to his host of lifetime friends, former colleagues, and neighbors (Ms. Edith, of Edith's Kitchen and Edith's Fix It Shop)

We want to praise God and thank him for the gift of Gregory.

Gregory Tyrone Colbert will be missed by all that loved him. Through his love for family, his legacy lives on.