Greg Wild

Greg Wild, 71, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away November 27, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father and friend who will be missed by many.

He is survived by Debra (Moss), his wife of 49 years; son Matt and his wife, Tracey; grandson Ry; sister Michele (Wild) Barringer and her husband, Robert; brothers Joe Wild and his wife, Annette; Don Wild and his wife, Sharon; and Geno Wild and his wife, Lisa; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary (Miscevich) Wild.

Greg was born October 6, 1952, in Kansas City, Kansas, and spent his formative years in Overland Park. He attended Bishop Miege High School and later graduated from Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas. Greg then attended University of Houston - Go Coogs!

Greg was a longtime manager for Deluxe Check Printers and later took his talents to Garmin. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication and passion for collaborating with others and making work lighthearted and fun.

Greg was unabashedly loud, honest and warm-hearted. He had a way to get even the quietest person to open up and would strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel at ease. He crafted nicknames for those he met, and many of those names (good or bad) ended up following people their entire lives. An avid music lover, he knew the words to every song, often using his nicknames to create your personal soundtrack.

Above all else, Greg valued and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a dedicated dad who always picked up the phone, gave the best advice, shared the best recipes, grilled the best burgers and spoke the truth even when it wasn't easy. He supported and shared his son's love for sports and other activities, and he continued that enthusiasm — particularly in the art of catching — when he became "Grampy" to Ry.

Greg loved spending casual weekends with loved ones. These often involved trying new recipes and drinking new beers. He revolutionized his family's dining when he invented the Wild family favorite meal — Taco Plate. He especially enjoyed the Wild Family Love Fests, of which the 2005 Love Fest on Lake Livingston was a highlight. That year, the Wild brothers somehow made a nearly three-hour contest of trying to be the one to knock down a ladder golf rope perched high in a tree. They threw whatever was handy. Although no one recalls who "won" the contest that ended after 3 a.m., Greg assuredly still would claim the victory.

Greg was longtime commissioner of the Deluxe Baseball League (DBL). Founded in 1989, the league continues playing fantasy sports today. Greg certainly knew the way to win championships because he had more than any other in the DBL's history. He also used that analytic ability in researching and selecting purchases of everything from a new vehicle to a new laptop. He was quick to offer his advice and helped many a friend or family member with a tech problem.

In remembrance of Greg's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Oxford Community Cemetery. Donations can be mailed to:

Oxford Cemetery Association
PO Box 175
Oxford, AR 72565

A celebration of Greg's life will be held 3-6 p.m. Jan. 12 at Stockyards Brewing Company at 1600 Genessee St.; #100; Kansas City, MO 64102. Friends and family are invited to join in fellowship and sharing of cherished memories of Greg.


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