Kenneth Rice Green

Kenneth R. Green, a devoted husband, father, and retired USMC Captain, passed away on October 14, 2024. He was born in Richland, Washington, on September 14, 1948, to Kenneth E. and Hazel Green. Kenneth graduated from Renton High School in 1966, the same year he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Throughout his life, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country, his family, and his faith.

In 1968, after a brief honorable medical discharge, Ken re-enlisted in 1972 and began an impressive military career that spanned over two decades. Rising through the ranks from Lance Corporal to Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4), Ken distinguished himself as a recruiter, earning multiple meritorious promotions and being recognized twice as the top recruiter of the year. He served in key leadership roles during his deployments to Okinawa, Japan, and Korea, and was instrumental in helping to establish defense systems and alliances with the Republic of Korea. After retiring in 1992, Ken continued his work with the Marine Corps for another seven years as a civilian with a GS rating. Following that, he worked several years as a civilian contractor for two military defense corporations until his medical retirement from Raytheon.

Ken married the love of his life, Sabra, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children: James, Sabra, and Tiffinie. Family was central to Ken’s life. He frequently said, "the three kids were the best thing that ever happened to me." James, who resides in Chiba, Japan, with his wife Fumiyo and their children, Keidin and Jaylee, carried on Ken’s global perspective. His daughter Sabra, who lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband David and daughters Alexis and Kaitlyn, and his daughter Tiffinie, who lives in Caledonia, Mississippi, with her husband Jonah and their daughter Ila, continued to bring Ken pride and joy.

Ken and Sabra moved to Silver Lakes in 2000, where they enjoyed a fulfilling retirement, spending time bowling, playing pool, and sharing a drink with friends. He was a man of strong values who cherished God, his country, the Marine Corps, and his family.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth E. and Hazel Green. He leaves behind a legacy of love, honor, and service, remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to know him.

Military Career Highlights:

• 1966: Enlisted in the USMC, completed Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton, CA

• 1968: Honorably discharged for medical reasons

• 1972: Rejoined the USMC as a Lance Corporal

• Promoted to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant through meritorious promotions, served as a top recruiter

• Selected for Officer Candidate School, Quantico, VA, and later promoted to Warrant Officer

• 1977: Deployed to Okinawa, Japan, and supported USMC operations in Korea and Guam

• Served in maintenance and tank battalions at Camp Pendleton, Rock Island, IL, and Twenty-Nine Palms, CA

• 1990–1992: Assigned in Korea with JUSTMAG-K, assisting with military organization and logistics

• 1992: Retired as a CWO4, holding the title of Captain as the last rank served

Ken’s memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and fellow Marines.

A funeral service for Kenneth will be held Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Joseph L Boll Avenue, Joseph L Boll Ave, Barstow, CA 92311. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.