Gregory John Elliott

Gregory John Elliott slipped peacefully from this life to the next on November 1, 2023, All Soul’s Day, in Kingwood, Texas. Greg was born in Streator, Illinois on July 30, 1955 to Kenneth Burton Elliott and Miriam Wrigley Elliott and raised on the Elliott family farm outside of Streator. His wholesome Midwestern ethic came from his family, attending rural Eagle Grade School, hard work on the farm, and years of 4-H Club projects. Greg graduated from Streator Township High School in 1973 and went on to attend the University of Illinois.

As Greg was insatiably curious and willing to take risks, a move to California was his next adventure. It was there that his talents in design and fabrication led to building racing cycles for Kosman Racing and working in production at Coca-Cola as an engineer. It was also in California that Greg realized he could not live without the love of his life, Valerie Schiffbauer, of Lostant, Illinois. To his great joy, Greg and Valerie were married in Streator on June 22, 1985.

Both of their beloved sons, Christopher and Andrew, were born in California, with the family relocating to Kingwood Texas in 1996. It was there that Greg unexpectedly found his true calling. While he could still be counted on to engineer a solution to any problem, he began to use his innate gift with children. He never lost his childlike wonder or forgot what it was to be little, demonstrated by endless calm and patience with children. Greg worked at Woodland Hills Elementary in the Physical Education Department for 25 years. He was an adult leader with Cub Scouts, Pack 3017, and went on to mentor dozens of boys through the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1377. Greg taught boys how to be good men by being one.

Greg adored his wife Valerie and demonstrated it every day. His work in education allowed Greg to be an abiding presence in the lives of his two sons, attending every practice, game, performance, but more importantly, truly available to them. Even as his sons went on to Texas A&M for college, he became the quintessential “Aggie Dad”. Being an Elliott was a source of pride as was his dedication to building, supporting and inspiring his own growing clan.

From the beginning Greg was a bit of a rascal and his mischief-making, pranks, eye-rolling “dad jokes”, and play on words were ceaseless and renowned. He had a quick wit that drew people to him. Greg had a deep intuition about how to make people comfortable; he rarely knew a stranger. He was the guy you wanted with you in an emergency. Greg loved many people easily and that love returned to him.

Greg had very rapidly advancing Lewy Body Dementia which took his skills one by one, his memory, and eventually his words, but it couldn’t mute until the very end his absolute delight in his three grandchildren. His face would immediately light up, and they would be running excitedly into his arms.

Heartbroken and cherishing their time together is Greg’s wife, Valerie Elliott. Treasuring memories of their dad and grandpa are Christopher and Mary Elliott and their sons, Ethan and Connor, and Andrew and Kaila Elliott, and their daughter, Addison. Grieving his loss are sister, Lynn Elliott-Harding, and brother-in-law Michael Harding; sister Kathy Fenner; nieces Lindsay (Nate) Fenner; and Alexa (Cade) Turner and children, Cassidy and Quinn Turner, and nephew Brett (Allie) Harding.

Greg gifted us a humble example of emotional generosity. He taught us to choose kindness, acts of assistance, offers of care, and huge hugs. We will carry on with Greg’s spirit guiding us.

Gifts in Greg’s memory may be directed to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at:

https://www.lbda.org/donate/

A celebration of life for Gregory will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339, followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kingwoodfuneralhome.com for the Elliott family.