Gregory Lewis, 75 passed away August 3rd. Greg was born September 20, 1947 to Max and Grace Lewis of Wichita , Kansas. His formative years were spent playing baseball, riding bikes and shooting hoops with his many friends on South Ash. He attended Wichita East and went on to become a scholar at Wichita State University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1970 with a degree in History. Before he could settle on a career path, he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam. When he returned, he started working for the post office where he held many positions during his 40 years of service. He was a desk clerk, sorted mail and later became shift supervisor, earning praise for his work and making many friends. He was active in the Postal Union.

He was an avid Wichita Shocker Fan and attended games for 40 years. Although single, his life was full with poker groups, bowling teams and daily workouts in the gym. He was a lifelong believer in exercise and before he became ill, was walking up to 5 miles a day. Greg was a jazz lover who accumulated an amazingly rare and valuable collection of vinyl records. The highlight of each year was his trip to the Monterey Jazz Festival. To Greg “Jazz was Life”. Gregs health issues made it increasingly hard for him to live alone and care for himself. Ever resourceful, he equipped himself with the spirit to battle on. Eventually, he moved to Overland Park. Here, he lived at Lamar Court for several years. He made the transition from what had become a solitary life to loving time spent with fellow residents, rejoicing in their victories and worrying over their setbacks. During this time he was diagnosed with end stage renal failure and started dialysis.

Gregs positive attitude was amazing. Many thought he had many reasons to be bitter, but Greg continued to find pleasure in the simple joys of good food, and good conversation with friends. He is survived by his sister, Linda Hartong of Leawood and her husband Bill and by his nephew Jordan Hartong , Jordan’s wife Lorraine and their three children and his grandnephews Ben and Justin Pelofsky. Memorials may be made to the American Jazz Museum at 18th and Vine, Kansas City , MO. info@kcjazz.org