Gregory Thomas Roberts, 80, known by the nickname “Duke” or “GT” by family and friends, was born in Kansas City, MO. After battling Parkinson’s for several years, died peacefully October 3rd, 2025, with his family at his side.
He grew up in Raytown, MO and graduated from Raytown High School in 1963 and attended business management classes at UMKC, while maintaining a Missouri real estate broker’s license for 30+ years. He led a rather colorful life; from building and sometimes driving dirt track race cars with his dad and brother in his younger days and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a trailer business at only 17 years of age. But his roots were always within the housing construction industry, where he remained for the next 60+ years earning the prestigious status of a “Certified Class A” contractor ranking from the International Code Council. This provided him with the ability to build anything from a single family home, to commercial buildings, to mega cooling systems for nuclear power plants. Throughout his career, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge to guide many others who showed interest in the construction industry. Always a devoted Christian, he expressed such by singing in church choirs most of his life. Being a avid supporter for youth safety, he spent many years with a Drug Enforcement task force to help reduce drug trafficking in Jackson County, MO.
He is preceded in passing by his mother Marion Roberts, his father Jerry Roberts, and his daughter Stacie Liebi.
He is survived by his brother Michael Roberts (Susan) of Blue Ridge GA, son Jeffrey Roberts (Suzie) of Bates City MO, daughter Christina Contreras (Angel) of Kansas City MO, and grandchildren, George Cameron Roberts, of Bella Vista AR, Kyra Pyle of Lone Jack MO, Hayden Roberts of Overland Park KS, Parker Roberts of Oak Grove MO, Donovan Liebi of Raytown MO, Mattea Contreras of Des Moines IA, Kaleb Contreras of Clarksville TN, and 5 great grandchildren.
A service will take place Saturday, October 11th at Grace United Methodist Church located at 1501 S. Harding Street, Oak Grove MO 64075 at 3:00pm.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri
Chas Lillie
7 Oct 2025During the Friday 6:30 AM Bible studies with our brothers at Connection Point Church in Raytown, Mo, GT would share his faith based construction industry experiences. He was always outspoken, bright eyed, smiling and chuckling during these accounts. You could see how much he loved the Lord! Time passed and we all knew GT was not well. When GT stopped coming to Bible study, we became very concerned. GT had partnered with God to overcome many health issues, but now GT won’t need to suffer anymore. He’s safe in our heavenly Father’s arms. My brothers in Christ and I will miss GT’s light amongst us.
Glenn Lorei
11 Oct 2025GT Was my friend. We were both interested in boats and the Lake of the Ozarks filled that bill. My first boat was a
’36 Owens Cruiser in partnership with Duke. We celebrated life together with our families. We did enjoy our time together. It doesn’t seem natural that he is gone. Glenn Lorei