Gregory Paul Backus

Gregory Paul Backus was born on November 16, 1955 at Pine Bluff, Arkansas and died on September 2, 2012. He was a graduate of Sheridan High School, Garland County Community College (Nursing) and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Music, Early Childhood Development and German Language). In addition, Greg also attended Henderson State University (Music). In 2000, he and his son, Jeremy attended World Youth Day in Rome. He was fond of travel and made trips to Mexico, Germany, Austria and Italy. Greg participated in the UALR Community Orchestra, the UALR German Club, the Boy Scouts of America and the Knights of Columbus. He also contributed his musical talent to Holy Cross Church (Sheridan), Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (Little Rock) and the St. John the Baptist Latin Mass Community (North Little Rock). Greg was adept at playing the piano, the organ, the trombone and the oboe (among other instruments) and tutored many students in music. Greg provided extensive home health nursing care to his parents, Joseph and JoAnn Backus. He enjoyed music, fishing and antique hunting. He also spoke German and Spanish languages. Greg was especially proud of his Prussian and Bavarian ancestry. He is survived by his son, Jeremy Paul Backus (Little Rock), his mother, JoAnn Backus (Little Rock), sisters DeVri Ann Martin (Fresco, California), Joyce Haase (Little Rock) and a brother Mark Backus (North Little Rock). A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on Tuesday, September 11 at 1:30 p.m. Funeral arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. (501) 224-8300. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.