Walter McGregor

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Walter Russell McGregor, 82, formerly of Pittsburg, KS passed away Sunday, November 16, 2014, at Garden Terrace Nursing Home in Overland Park, KS.

 He was born July 5, 1932, in Dallas, TX, to John P. McGregor and Dorotha L. McGregor/Smith. Walter graduated from Baxter Springs High School. After graduation Walter enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in 1956. Walter attended Kansas State Teachers College, (Pitt State) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree, and obtained his master’s degree from Kansas University. 

On June 2, 1957, he married Janice Louise Glick at Pittsburg, KS. She preceded him in death on July 22, 2011. They made their home in Kansas City, KS, where he taught and became principal at Central Jr. High then J.C. Harmon High School. Returning to Pittsburg, KS, in 1989, Walter contributed to various projects with his good friend Gene Bicknell, including organization of the O. Gene Bicknell Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament. He was also known in the community as Care-van driver for Via Christi Hospital. Walter enjoyed summers at Lake of the Ozarks fishing and water skiing, golfing, gardening, camping and polka dancing at the Idol Hour in Frontenac. 

Walter is survived by his daughter, Molly Livers & her husband, Curtis of Bonner Springs, KS; a granddaughter, Jaci Livers; and a sister Jean Cowen and her husband Robert of Joplin, MO., Brothers Larry Smith and Connie of Plano, TX, and Mark Smith of San Jose, CA, and in-law siblings, Jack Glick and wife, Barbie of Leesburg, Florida, Gretchen Gahagan of Ottawa, Kansas, Phyllis Cheek of Bradenton, Florida and Marcia and Dick Johnson of Great Bend, Kansas, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Janice, parents, stepfather Ozzie Smith, and brother Bill McGregor. 

Graveside Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014, at the Highland Park Cemetery, Pittsburg, with Pastor Vance Russell officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. The family suggests memorials be given to KU Endowment for Alzheimer’s and Dimentia Research. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762.