USAF Colonel Russell Duane Greiner

Russell Duane Greiner, Colonel USAF (Ret.) passed away September 10, 2012, after a long and courageous fight against cancer. After seven years of regular monthly chemotherapy treatments, his body gave in; however, his optimism, spirit and love of life were with him to the very end.

Col. Greiner, born June 28, 1929, was the son of John Henry Greiner and Eva Ellen Schmidt Greiner. He was born and raised on a farm in the Keota, Iowa area. He attended elementary school at a rural one room school house and high school at Keota Public high school, graduating in 1946. He was active in the 4-H and FFA and was a State Farmer in the FFA. He attended Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) and received a B. S. Degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1950. He also later received his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Southern California.

Upon graduation from Iowa State College, he enlisted in the US Air Force, attending pilot training at Greenville AFB, Mississippi and Williams AFB at Chandler, Arizona where he received his pilot wings and commission. He served as a pilot and staff officer in Korea, Vietnam, Germany and numerous locations in the United States. He also served a tour of duty with the US Navy flying from aircraft carriers (and received his Navy Wings). He was a Command Pilot with over 4000 hours in 16 different types of aircraft. Colonel Greiner had experience with the Space Shuttle and the Global Positioning System before his retirement.

He retired in 1976 with 26 years of service. He received the American Spirit Honor Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Air Medal, and Bronze Star Medal. After retirement from the A.F., he taught high school and college at Roosevelt High School and San Antonio Community College in San Antonio, Texas.

He then worked professionally for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). As a volunteer he helped establish the Phoenix District of the BSA for the Alamo Area Council and as a Scouting Executive grew the District to include troops of boys and girls made up of physically, mentally and socially economic disadvantaged youngsters. He also served as the Director of Bear Creek Scout Camp for several summers. He was recognized by the BSA with the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver (Highest Award as a Volunteer), Vigil Honor member and Founders Award of the Order of Arrow. He was recognized in 1980 as the San Antonio, Texas, Volunteer of the Year. He was a volunteer leader for the BSA for over 47 years and member of the Downtown Optimist Club of San Antonio for over 30 years. He served as President and held numerous other offices with the Downtown Optimist Club. He also served on the Board of Directors at Boysville, a home for youth here in San Antonio.

Among other things, Col Greiner also worked with the University of Houston in developing the technical training for technicians scheduled to maintain the Super Conducting Super Collider. As hobbies, he was actively involved in genealogy, gardening and stamp collecting. He was a Charter member of Oak Meadow United Methodist Church chartered in 1978 and served as Chairman of the Administrative Council for over 14 years (10 years consecutively) 6 years as Chairman of the Trustee Committee and various other leadership positions. He organized and was the first leader for the church sponsored Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop #940. He organized and was the first president of the United Methodist Men. He also served as treasurer for this group for over 15 years. He taught the Adult Sunday School Class for several years. He also enjoyed working and volunteering with Texas Hunter's Education and Master Gardeners.

Colonel Greiner married Nathalie Ruth Rohler from Ellis, Kansas, daughter of Charles Edwin Rohler and Eleanor Grace McGee on June 19, 1954 and they had four children.

Colonel Greiner was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Omar (stillborn), Ronald Lee and Alexander John and granddaughter Jessica Greiner Jimenez.

He is survived by his wife Nathalie, son Donn and wife Robin Hoch of San Antonio, Texas, son Terry and wife Johnanna Wise of Dallas, Texas, son Gary Greiner of San Antonio, Texas and only daughter Carol Luschen and husband David Luschen of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by his older sister Vera M. Casstevens and her husband Kent of Arizona, as well as five grandchildren Alexander John (AJ) Greiner, Sara Greiner, David Jr., Megan and Rachel Luschen, three great-grandchildren, Mark, Zachary and Damien Jimenez of Houston, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, September 14, 2012, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

SERVICE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012

11:00 A.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012

9:30 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

1520 HARRY WURZBACH

The Family would like to thank Pastor Janet Fluth and Homewatch Caregivers, especially Bob, Sheila, Herman, Toni, Moreya, and Holly who where all there as companions and part of his care at the end.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Oak Meadow United Methodist Church, San Antonio, the Downtown Optimist Club of San Antonio, or Boysville Home for Youth in Converse, Texas.