Theodore James Green

Theodore James “Ted” Green passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at the age of 90. A longtime resident of Rocheport, Missouri, Ted lived a remarkable life defined by intellect, compassion, creativity, faith, and service to his family and community.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Theodore J. Green Jr, his siblings, David E. Green, Lou Anne Doin, and Diane Schwarzer, and a nephew, Rick Baumbach.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Green, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage built on love, partnership and shared values. He is also survived by his daughter, Virginia “Ginna” Green, her husband, David Strebler, their children Dominic, Liam and Charlotte, his brothers-in-law Jim Doin and Joel Pratt, his sister-in-law Yvonne Green, nine nieces and nephews, and other extended family.

The son of William James Green and Helen (Sporing) Green, Ted was born October 29, 1935, in North Adams, Massachusetts. He graduated from Pawtucket West High School in 1953. Ted proudly served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1952 to 1960. He continued his education at Cornell University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation. While attending Cornell, Ted lived on the farm with Ralph and Edith Grover and their children. Ralph, Edith, Shirley, Marilyn, John and Joan became a cherished second family to him. Their love, friendship and support remained important and meaningful to Ted throughout his life.

After graduating from Cornell, Ted requested a tour of Sterling-Winthrop Research Institute at a suggestion from his sister and brother-in-law. The “tour” became a job interview, and Ted accepted a position as research assistant at the institute, where he worked in cardiovascular research and drug development for eleven years. Ted later earned both his Master of Science and PhD from the Ohio State University.

Ted dedicated more than four decades to scientific research, education, and mentorship. Retiring in 2001 from the University of Missouri as Associate Professor Emeritus, he built a distinguished career in parasitology and immunology. His professional work included significant advances in vaccine and parasite research, and he was widely admired for his passion for solving complex problems, mentoring students, and advancing scientific knowledge.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ted was a man of many talents and passions. He enjoyed woodworking, which included both building structures and making furniture, drawing, cheesemaking, winemaking, gardening, hunting, fishing, and sustainable living. Through his one-cow hobby dairy farm he generously shared milk and cheese with families in need. Ted was always researching, refining, and seeking better ways to improve his land, orchard, and self-sufficient lifestyle.

Ted’s faith and dedication to his community were also central to his life. He served as chairperson for the Missouri United Methodist Church Heritage Foundation and on the Board of Trustees for Rocheport United Methodist Church. Prior to retirement, he was a member of Kiwanis International in Columbia and served as the faculty advisor for the Mizzou Circle K Club.

Ted had a special love for animals and found great joy in training horses, oxen, Bluetick Coonhounds, Brittany Spaniels and Beagles, a reflection of his patience, skill, and gentle spirit. He also enjoyed having dogs and a flock of Toulouse geese as pets. Whether through his professional work, his agricultural pursuits, his church leadership, or his daily interactions, Ted touched countless lives with his generosity, intelligence, and steady presence.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held May 24, 2026, 2:30 PM at Rocheport United Methodist Church, 202 Columbia Street, Rocheport, MO 65279.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rocheport United Methodist Church.

Ted’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the students he taught, the land he nurtured, the faith he practiced, and the many lives he enriched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

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