Donald Leroy Green

Donald Leroy Green, 85, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Columbia surrounded by his family. He was born on July 27, 1940, in Aholt, MO to his parents Robert Dorn and Willie Mae Green. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Bishop, on August 26, 1960; he passed away on their 65th anniversary.

Don started his life as a truck driver at a very young age for Green Brothers Hauling with his brother Dwain. They hauled hay, grain, livestock, etc. for a few years. At different times during his years of driving, he worked for House and Williams hauling sand, Rural Gas and Giger Gas delivering propane, and delivering brick for Columbia Brick Yard. He then started driving semi-trailers for Orscheln Brothers Truck Line. When they went out of business he worked for Yellow Freight System until he retired in 1999. He was very proud of receiving his Million Mile Safety Award with Yellow Freight for driving with no accidents. Following his retirement from trucking, he started a small mowing service that he and his wife operated for another 19 years, mowing as many as seventeen yards. One of his favorite hobbies was raising a garden and putting his tomatoes on a bench in the driveway where the neighbors could stop and get them. They remarked that he grew the best tasting tomatoes that you could get, plus they loved his sign taped to the bench “pay what you think is fair.” He loved working in his yard following his retirement. Neighbors remarked how beautiful his yard was, and he would reply that it was the same to him as people who loved to play golf. He was very proud of his family and loved being with his grandchildren especially, always teasing them.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Green; sons, Robert (Connie) Green of Fulton and Tony (Lisa) Green of Torrance, California; four grandsons, Matthew, Justin, Austin, and Aidan; two great grandsons, Mason and William; and step great grandkids, Kaylee, Kenzie, and Gabe along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and seven sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri, Saint Vincent der Paul Society at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 2nd at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 903 Bernadette Drive Columbia from 9:30am-11am. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am, followed by entombment in Memorial Park Mausoleum 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia, MO.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com