Gregory Alan Patterson

Gregory Alan Patterson died of a heart attack on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Greg was born September 3, 1950 in Joplin, Missouri to Martha Louise Teeter (later Bullard) and Darryl Bernard Patterson.

After graduating from Jasper High School with lifelong best friend Tom Short, Greg went to Drury University in Springfield, Missouri where he studied Economics and Political Science. He then continued at the University of Missouri in Columbia where he completed a Master’s Degree in Community Development.

After graduating, Greg moved to Kansas City where he began his career working in public service; first in community development for the City of Kansas City, then as the Executive Director of Westport Tomorrow. He later moved into a career in real estate, focused on commercial development. Greg remained committed throughout his life to the betterment of his community.

In 1986, Greg met Beth Burnett on a blind date where they went out dancing with friends. They were married on October 1, 1988 and had two children, Ben and Katie. Greg lived a life full of love, laughter, and plenty of quirky fun. He would capture every moment he could on videotape, from the annual Groundhog Day party to Halloween and Easter in his giant bunny costume. Greg made sure every moment was remembered.

Later in his career–and with the advice of several supporters–Greg started his own commercial brokerage firm, Greg Patterson and Associates. Greg has always had a love of local history and a love of the underdog. He could share many stories of Kansas City’s past and how it shapes our present. He never lost his immense passion for supporting and revitalizing the Kansas City community and its people.

As a lover of art and music, Greg believed in treating other people, all people, with dignity and respect. This drive eventually led Greg to open the Uptown Arts Bar as a space where all people would be welcome. The bar was a project of passion and during its time it was a vibrant place for spoken word, poetry, dance, music, and art of all kinds to come alive.

Greg’s personal philosophy was to treat others as you would want to be treated, to work and play hard but to always play fair and to pay it forward. He lived this philosophy for his family and friends, but also for every business owner he worked with and any person he passed. He loved deeply and cared greatly with a boundless sense of gratitude for the people and places that were a part of his life.

Greg is predeceased by his mother, Martha, father Darryl, and step father, Red. He is survived by his wife, Beth, son, Ben (spouse Sarah) and daughter, Katie.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church (620 E. Armour Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64109) on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Cultivate Kansas City.