Michael Leon Gregory

Michael Leon Gregory, of Ironton, MO, entered Heaven on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the age of 71 years, 3 months, and 27 days. He was born February 24, 1954, in Nuremberg, Germany, a son of the late Ralph and Ruby (Powers) Gregory. His father, Ralph Gregory, was a career Army, and his mother, Ruby Gregory, nee Powers, was a homemaker. Both parents preceded him in rest, as did his sister, Linda Brooks, nee Gregory. On December 30, 1989, Michael was united in marriage to Katana (Black) Gregory at the Lesterville First Baptist Church. To this union a son, Ryan Michael Gregory (wife Sheena) was born on September 20, 1991. They both survive and reside in Terre du Lac. Also surviving Mike are his sister, Brenda Parks and husband Robert of Lesteville, MO, his sister-in-law Dona Giron and husband Gerry of San Diego, CA, an aunt, Helen Akins of Harrisburg, MO, and numerous cousins from the Gregory, Powers, and Morrison families. Mike graduated as Salutatorian from Lesterville High School in May 1972. Very athletic, he lettered in basketball, baseball, and tennis, then attended MAC on a baseball scholarship. He later transferred to SEMO before being hired by Ameren. He worked at the Labadie Plant for five years, then relocated to the Taum Sauk Plant from which he retired as a Hydro plant Technician in July 2009. Mike accepted Christ as his Savior in October 1980, and after baptism, joined the Lesterville Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School superintendent and music director. After moving his membership to First Baptist Church of Pilot Knob, he taught Sunday School. In 2023, Mike became a member of the Gideons and held several positions, including Regional Program Leader for Church Ministry, State Church Ministry Coordinator, and Missouri State Membership Coordinator. He was also a member of the Ironton and Washington County Gideon camps. Mike had many interests, chief among them his love of sports. He followed the Blues, Cardinals, Mizzou and Manchester United religiously, and he and Ryan forged a tight bond over their shared interest. Mike also enjoyed traveling, and spent hours planning the perfect family vacation each summer. His favorite destination was Florida, and whenever he and Ryan could add fishing to the itinerary, he was thrilled. Mike and his dad had made several trips to Canada to fish, and he wanted to make those same memories with his son. Mike was also an avid reader, especially Stephen King books. Mike was a man of God - now he is a man with God. Although we are grateful for this knowledge, we still deeply grieve his passing. Michael Leon Gregory was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, Christian, and friend. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am from the Cole Family Funeral Home. A Visitation for friends and family to gather will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, beginning at 4:00 pm and lasting until 8:00 pm from the Cole Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow the services in the Rayfield Cemetery in Lesterville, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made to Gideons International or the First Baptist Church of Pilot Knob.

Michael Leon Gregory

February 24, 1954 - June 20, 2025