Gary Lowell Greene

Gary L. Greene, age 80, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on January 17, 2024 at Story Point West Memory Care. Gary was born on April 6, 1943 in Marquette, Michigan, the son of Lowell and Gladys (Larson) Greene.

Gary attended Northern Michigan College. Following college, Gary moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked at an employment agency. He met the love of his life, Joan Kennedy, and eventually left Los Angeles to chase his bride-to-be to Fort Wayne. Gary and Joan were married on July 19, 1969 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Wayne. The two were inseparable for an amazing 54 years. On their 50th wedding anniversary, they renewed their wedding vows at St. Patrick Catholic Church Arcola with Rev. Cyril Fernandes officiating.

Gary spent most of his career as a transportation professional at North American Van Lines and retired after 37 years. He was known for his strong work ethic, being meticulous, building life-long relationships, financial acumen, and witty sense of humor.

Gary enjoyed music, travel, and sports (especially Indiana University basketball, the Indianapolis Colts and Notre Dame football). He and Joan even attended the Australian Open. Most of all, he loved to laugh and to make people laugh. Gary cherished spending time with his family. He was extremely proud of his children and the fact that they all graduated from college. Gary also loved spending time with friends at the local Elks Lodge 155, American Legion Post 499, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Gary was always the life of the party, with a cold Stroh’s at the ready. As quoted during his retirement speech from one of his favorite singers, Frank Sinatra: he was satisfied that he lived his life “My Way”.Gary was passionate about giving back. He was deeply spiritual and donated to various charitable organizations.

Nothing meant more to Gary than his wife (who he lovingly referred to as “Joey”) and children. He was an incredible husband and father who dedicated his life to providing for his family, not just in material ways, but with enduring love, guidance, and advice.

Gary is survived by his wife, Joan Greene; children, Kelly (late Paul) Hansan of Fishers, Misty (David) Calder of San Clemente, CA, Shawn (Rebecca) Greene of Fort Wayne, and Shannon (Brian) Olson of Wilton, CT; and five grandchildren, Sydney Calder (14), Brady Calder (9), Kendall Greene (4), Piper Olson (9), and Jack Olson (7).

His parents, Lowell and Gladys Greene, and sister, Barbara Greene, preceded him in death.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, January 26, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church Arcola. Burial will immediately follow at Highland Park Cemetery. All are encouraged to attend a luncheon at St. Patrick Catholic Church Arcola after the burial. Friends may call from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home. All are welcome to recite the rosary at 7:30 pm on Thursday. Additional visitation will be from 9:00 am-10:00 am on Friday, January 26, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church Arcola.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Alzheimer’s Association.