Donald B. Gregory

Donald B. Gregory, 85, of Brighton, Illinois passed away at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at his home. He was born October 29, 1930 in Jacksonville, Illinois, the son of the late Alvin and Berniece (Burns) Gregory. He married Wanda L. (Adams) Gregory on June 5, 1955 at the Meadowbrook First Southern Baptist Church and she survives. He retired in 1987 from Laclede Steel in Alton after 24 years of dedicated Service as a steelworker. The United States Navy veteran proudly served his country during the Korean War, serving on the USS General William Mitchell which he sailed around the world on three times. He was a member of the Alton VFW Post #1308 and the Wood River Moose Lodge #1349. He was a charter member of the Meadowbrook First Southern Baptist Church which he helped in the construction of. He enjoyed his days of fishing, hunting, dancing, playing cards, board games, grandchildren; watching western movies and listening to country western music. He will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, he is survived by a son, Dale Gregory (Paul) Ottoson) of Maryville; a daughter, Diane Gregory (Rich Wells) of Brighton; grandchildren, Melanie Wade (Ed Wade), Mallory Gregory (Alex Baldwin), Sean Gregory (Monica Gregory), Leanna Fones, Tyler Miles and Sean Wells (Emily Wells); great grandchildren, Quentin, Morgan, Madison, Savannah, Noah, Liam, Benjamin, Damion and Elijah; three sisters, Mece Voyles of Bethalto, Sharon Voyles (Larry Voyles) of Bethalto; Colette Weldon (Terry Weldon) of Dayton, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Lavern Highsmith (Bobby Highsmith) of Cottage Hills and Ruby Adams of Sarasota, Florida; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends. In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Pitchford Funeral Home, 2555 Vaughn Road in Wood River from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Visitation will continue at Meadowbrook First Southern Baptist Church, 105 Fairway Drive in Moro, Illinois on Thursday, May 26, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association and may be accepted at the funeral home