GREGG, Herbert Alton (Herb)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Sunday, March 25, 2012 Herbert Alton Gregg born in Tiffany Springs, Missouri on June 14, 1918 passed away from complications from hip surgery on March 15, 2012. He was the last child of Thomas and Margaret Gregg. His two older sisters, Francis and Idabelle, were great support to the family during the Great Depression. Herb grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and went to Northeast High School where he played basketball, baseball and track. He was accepted to Missouri University to play basketball and baseball starting in 1938 majoring in education. He played baseball for Pittsburgh Pirates farm system the summer of 1942. Graduated from MU in 1943 and joined the Unites States Navy and after training began PT boat duty in the South Pacific. Herb received a Silver Star for rescuing a downed US pilot under heavy artillery fire. Also received two Bronze Stars for other actions in the South Pacific. After returning to the States he met Virginia Lee Wilson and they were married in April, 1946. Herbert junior was born in Jefferson City, Missouri and a year later Patricia Lee was born in Columbia, Missouri. He accepted his coaching job at Arizona State College, now Northern Arizona University in 1949. He was inducted into the Arizona Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970 and NAU’s Homecoming Dedicatee in 1981. Retiring in 1983 he began enjoying years of golf and fun with friends and family. He lost his faithful wife Virginia from natural causes on November 8, 2002. Thelma (Sonja) Scott became his wife about a year later with Herb Junior performing the wedding ceremony at Patty’s home in Phoenix. They lived together happily until Herb’s passing. Herb Gregg was a devoted husband, loving father and dedicated coach and professor who had a positive impacted many lives. He will be missed. This obituary was created by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.