Gregory “Greg” D. Hood, age 77, of Concordia, KS, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at his home in Concordia, KS surrounded by family. He was born on July 3, 1946 in Concordia, KS to Rolland & Lolita (Miller) Hood.
Greg attended Concordia schools until age 11. His family then moved to Italy in 1957 to assist in bringing supermarkets to Europe. Greg attended the Laysin American School in Switzerland and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Greg served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971. He attended the Eastern European Language Program in Syracuse University in New York. He then attended the USA Security Service training at Goodfella Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas. He was assigned to the 6912th Security Squadron at Templehol AFB in West Berlin, Germany as a Russian voice interpreter operator. The military required them to travel under the radar in civilian clothes to Germany. After his service in the military Greg moved back to Concordia. In 1973 Greg married Sally Alderson. They were parents to Shawn, Chandra, and Garett.
Greg was a lifelong general contractor, working for his uncle Woodrow Hood/Hood Construction as Vice President then eventually owner. He finished his career out with Coonrod & Associates. Among the various local projects, he was involved with were, the First United Methodist Church, UMB Bank, the Frank Carlson Library, Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Super 8 Motel and the Parish Hall for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church to name just a few.
He was active in the Jayhusker Racing Assoc. and USAC Midget Racing. He was a member of American Legion Post #76, Moose Lodge #1428 & VFW Post #588.
Greg had a love for motorsports. He followed in his father’s footsteps taking up racing which led to years of running a ¾ midget and eventually owning a USAC midget team. Greg and Jon Thurston designed and built the 750 ¾ midget that he won multiple features along with forming “Two Hoods Racing”. He always dreamt about running the Belleville Midgets Nationals. Unfortunately, he didn’t accomplish that, but did with his son along with racing in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arizona, Wisconsin, etc.
He is survived by his children, Shawn Hood, Concordia, KS; Chandra Hood, Gisborne, New Zealand & Garett Hood (Stephanie), Concordia, KS; grandchildren, Bryce Young, Cameron Young & Beck Hood; great grandson, Jhett Young; several cousins, and a host of other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
It was Greg’s wishes to be cremated and a service celebrating his life will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, May 10, 2024, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia. Military honors will be conducted at the services by McConnell AFB, American Legion Post #76 & VFW Post #588. Following the services, family and friends will gather at the American Legion Post #76 in Concordia. The family welcomes flowers or memorials to the American Legion Post #76 in care of the funeral home. His children would enjoy receiving any written stories about Greg from those attending his celebration of life. Friends may sign the register book from 9 am to 8 pm, with the family greeting friends from 6-7 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, 325 W. 6th St., PO Box 606, Concordia, KS, 66901 is in charge of arrangements.