Colonel John R. Green, USAF MSC retired, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on July 25, 2013. He will be remembered for his gentle presence, his kind and generous spirit, his love of country, and his complete love and devotion to his wife of 69 years, Theresa, and his family. John was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on March 28, 1920 to Gertrude and John D. Green. After graduating from Ottumwa High School, John attended the Iowa Success School of Business. He then worked as a general clerk, bookkeeper and stenographer before joining the Army. John earned a B.S. in Military Studies from the University of Maryland in 1964. John initially served in the Army, advancing from Private to Master Sergeant, achieving top enlisted rank in 21 months-the youngest soldier to do so at Chanute Field. He moved from the Army to the Army Air Force (AAF) when the branch was created in June 1941. When the Department of the Air Force was created in September 1947, John became a “blue suiter” and the two years later when the Air Force Medical Service came into being, John became as Air Force Medical Service Corps Officer, achieving the rank of Colonel before retiring in March 1980. Among his many assignments, John was the Assistant Executive Officer for the Office of the Surgeon General in Washington D.C. and the Executive Officer at the Air Force Military Personnel Center (AFMPC) at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. John loved his country and proudly served the United States faithfully and loyally for 39 years through World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. After retiring, John developed expertise in both plumbing and electrical wiring. His dedication to perfection had people clamoring for his assistance. His wiring skills were put to good use in his model railroading - his lifelong passion. John’s devotion to model railroading resulted in the construction of a garage layout that amazed all who were lucky to see it. He spent countless hours sharing this joy with his family. John was the past President of the San Antonio Model Railroad Association (SAMRA), and an Engineer on the Longhorn & Western Railroad at the Texas Transportation Museum. He was certified as a railroad brakeman. John volunteered at the USAF Randolph Clinic for years and was somewhat of as institution, always helpful and of good cheer. He often said he was a “director” there. John would direct patients to the lab, x-ray, the pharmacy, etc. John was very involved in the Church wherever his assignments took him. He served as Eucharistic Minister, altar server, lector and usher. John was preceded in death by his parents Gertrude and John D. Green, and his sister Evelyn Green Carlin. He is survived by his sister, Willa Jean Green Tarr of Ottumwa, Iowa. John is survived by the love of his life, Theresa Damico Green; his daughters Ann Green Daeke, Janet Green Gerold and her husband Frank; his son John David Green and his wife Kara and his six grandchildren who adoringly called him “Boopsie”; Kirsten Daeke Carlson, Mark Christopher Daeke, Frank Joseph Gerold, Lauren Anne Gerold, Michael Richard Green and Nicholas John Green. John is survived by four great grandchildren: Emily, Alyssa, Taylor and Aiden Carlson. Visitation will held on Tuesday, July 30th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home. A Mass to celebrate John’s life is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31st at 11:30 am St. John Neumann Catholic Church at 6680 Crestway Drive, San Antonio, Texas. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider memorial contributions to SAMRA (7702 Narrow Pass St., Live Oak, Texas 78233) or the charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18