Deotis Gregory, 90, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully and quietly of natural causes on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. at Northwest Health Hospital in Portage. Though his earthly journey has ended, his life's example of faith, family, and steadfast perseverance continues to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was born on August 20, 1935, in Painton, Missouri, to the late Robert and Eliza (McClendon) Gregory. Growing up in a large family during challenging times, Deotis learned early on the values of hard work, humility, and looking out for one another—virtues he would carry throughout his 90 years of life.

Deotis eventually settled in Elkhart, where he built a home, a family, and a reputation as a dependable, loyal, and kind-hearted man. For over 35 years, he worked as a saw operator at Holiday Rambler in Wakarusa, a job that demanded strength, precision, and patience. He approached his work the same way he approached life: with steady hands, quiet determination, and pride in a job well done. His long career there was not just about earning a living but about providing stability and opportunity for his loved ones.

A man of deep and unwavering faith, Deotis was a faithful, devout Christian who loved the Lord with all his heart. He read and studied scripture diligently and had a remarkable ability to recall passages at random, offering encouragement, guidance, or simply a reminder of God's promises in moments when they were needed most. His faith was not just something he professed; it was something he lived—through his kindness, humility, and the steadfast love he poured into his family.

Family was the heart of Deotis's life. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Alpha (Dooley) Gregory and shared with her a lifetime of faith and family. As a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, he carried a quiet but powerful presence—strong when he needed to be, gentle when life called for it, and always deeply protective of those he loved. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments, and he poured into his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the same values of faith, family, and perseverance that had guided his own life.

Outside of work and church, Deotis enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He found peace and joy in fishing and hunting, pastimes that connected him to the outdoors and offered a chance for reflection. Those who shared these pursuits with him will remember not just the catch of the day, but the laughter, the stories, and the sense of companionship that came with it.

Deotis is survived by his wife, Alpha, of Elkhart; his sons, the Rev. Gregory (Dennise) Gary, Jeffery Gregory, and Cory Gregory, all of Elkhart; daughters, Joyce Gregory of Elkhart and Christine M. Gregory of Bristol; brother, Leroy Gregory of Elkhart; sisters, Mary (Trellis) Porter of Mishawaka, Earline (Robert) Hunt of Elkhart, and Terry Gregory of St. Paul, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kiana (Moses) Edwards of Atlanta, Georgia, Martes Gary of Elkhart, Ciara Jackson of Elkhart, Shawntes (Kayla) Gary of Elkhart, Dairese (Christina) Gary of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jailen Gregory and Jordan Gregory, both of Elkhart, and Jevante Qaiyim of Atlanta, Georgia; twelve great-grandchildren; and a large host of extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Phyllis Gregory; brothers, Albert, Elmer, and Samuel Gregory; and sisters, Laura Jackson, Lula Mae Johnson, Johnnie Robinson, Alberta Farr, and Estelle Gregory.

In accordance with the family's wishes, no funeral services have been planned. However, a graveside burial service will be held at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., with his son, the Rev. Greg Gary, officiating. Services have been entrusted to Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart.

Deotis's life was a testament to faith, resilience, and love—a reminder that greatness is often found not in grand gestures but in the everyday acts of sacrifice, devotion, and care for others. He will be remembered as a man who honored God, loved his family, and lived his life with integrity. His legacy will live on in the stories, the laughter, and the love of those who were blessed to call him family and friend.