Greg J. Backes

Greg James Backes, 63, of Tipton, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, MO. He was born May 2, 1957, in Jefferson City, the son of Carl J. and Nancy L. (Rushing) Backes. Greg attended St. Andrews School and was a 1975 graduate of Tipton High School. He attended college at Central Missouri State University and Lincoln University, where he played golf. He was united in marriage to Mary Jo (Scott) on June 28, 1980 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Tipton.

In their 40 years of marriage, Greg and Mary Jo were blessed with six children, Megan Jo, Kylie, Scott, Rachel, Cameron, and Abby and seven grandchildren. Anyone who knew Greg, knew he lived for his family. He loved playing with his kids and grandkids in the backyard, spending time at the lake, and watching his kids and grandkids play sports. He was known for traveling near and far to never miss a game. He was his children’s coach, mentor, biggest fan, and their best friend. He never failed to miss a moment to celebrate and support his family.

Greg had a contagious smile and a big heart. To know him was to love him. He was humble, selfless, dedicated, and hardworking. Greg never knew a stranger, offering hugs and handshakes with each passing. He was the type of person you wanted in your corner. He offered his help and wisdom to all, and was seen as a second dad to many.

Greg valued family, work, sports, and the community as the four pillars of his life. Greg started G&R Construction, Inc. in 1985 with his brother-in-law, Ross Pettigrew. Over the years, Greg employed and mentored countless young people within the community. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council and School Advisory Board. He was a current member of the St. Andrew Foundation Committee, Grounds Committee, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had served on the Tipton City Council, been a coach for Junior Babe Ruth, and officiated many games. Greg was also very involved in the Tipton Recreation Association, initiating the town’s TRA soccer program. He was a member of the Tipton County Club and the Tipton Booster Club.

For years, Greg coached and volunteered his time to support the community. He took every opportunity to encourage hardwork, dedication, and doing the right thing. He was a passionate leader, a voice of reason, and a dedicated fan. He was a friend to all.

Greg is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, and five children. Kylie Carey lives in Sedalia with her husband, Mark and four children: Dani, Trey, Dane, Christian, and step-daughter Kaylen. Scott Backes lives in Tipton with his wife, Megan and two children: Tindle and Corbin. Rachel Grunert lives with her husband, James, in Fayetteville, AR. Cameron Backes and fiancé, Madison Knipp, live in Tipton. Abby Backes lives in Tipton and attends Columbia College in Columbia, MO. Greg is also survived by his three siblings, Karla Pettigrew and husband, Ross, of Tipton; Tim Backes and wife Julie, of Centertown; and Lisa Michel, of Fort Madison, IA. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Greg was preceded in death by daughter, Megan Jo; his parents, Carl and Nancy; his father and mother-in-law, Joe and Gladys Scott; and nephew, Nick Pettigrew.

A rosary will be led in his honor at 8:00am by the Knights of Columbus on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tipton. Visitation hours will follow from 8:30am-12:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm. and officiated by Fr. Alex Gabriel. Greg will be laid to rest at St. Andrew Cemetery in Tipton. Due to current safety restrictions, the funeral services at 1:00pm will be family-only. The rosary, visitation, and burial will be open to the public. Masks are encouraged.

Greg’s casket bearers will include son-in-laws Mark Carey and Jimmy Grunert; nephews Toby Pettigrew, Carl Pettigrew, Eric Backes, Daniel Scott, Luke Scott and Michael Virgo. Honorary bearers will include nephew Chris Schreck; and Godsons Greg Bestgen, Kevin Hunolt, and Beau Bookout.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Andrew Church or St. Andrew School.

Arrangements are in the care of Meisenheimer Funeral Home in Tipton.

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