ROBERT JAMES GREEN
Robert James Green passed from this life into heaven on January 27, 2020, at the age of 91. Bob, the eldest of six children, was born to James Carl and Hazel Irene (Sexton) Green on July 11,1928, at their home in Gravity, IA. At the age of five he started first grade, otherwise the country school would close. Robert was the only first grade student. The family moved to Idaho in 1935, then on to Washington in 1936, returning to Gravity in 1944. He graduated high school on May 17, 1945. When he was only 16 years old. The same day his younger brother, Delbert, graduated eighth grade and his youngest sister Barbara was born so James and Hazel were unable to attend the ceremonies. At the time the boys were required to take the test for officers’ training school. The test proctor said of all the years she had given the test he was the first to score 100 percent. He didn’t go to officer’s training school because he wasn’t 18 and he would be in charge of men older than him. Bob stayed home on the farm with parents. After graduating from Gravity High School in 1945, Robert farmed with his family until their return to Washington in 1948. In Washington, he worked for a short time logging with Hogan and Grasset, then started a career with the SP&S Railroad, where he was quickly promoted to foreman.
Bob married Veta (Ridnour) in 1949. Their union was blessed with two sons, Robert Alan (1953) and Patrick Lynn (1955). In 1952, Bob and his brother, Delbert, were drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps and sent to Camp Pendleton in California. Robert proudly served his country for two years. He spent part of his time in Japan, where he served as an expert rifleman. His sister, Barbara, remembers coming home from school and finding their mother sitting on the couch reading a letter from Robert and praying that he would not be sent to Korea.
When the boys were teenagers, Bob moved his family to Alaska, where he worked for the University of Alaska for 11 years in the parts and purchasing department. Veta passed away from cancer during this time, prompting Bob to take an early retirement and return to Washington. In 1980, Bob met Linda (Schnepp). He moved to Grant City, MO in early 1981. Bob and Linda were joined in marriage on October 23, 1982 and the couple moved to Blockton, IA. Their marriage was blessed with their beautiful daughter, Tiffany Nicole. Bob made his home in Blockton, IA for his remaining 38 years.
Among his many hobbies, Bob particularly enjoyed bowling and golf. He bowled on several teams in Washington, Alaska and Iowa, where he won multiple trophies. Bob spent countless hours on the Grant City Golf Course and even worked as a greens keeper. It was a rare occasion for him to miss a men’s or couple’s night. Bob and Linda frequently golfed with their good friends, and when Linda had to work, Bob proudly took Tiffany to the course where he passed on his love of golfing to her. Bob continued to golf until 2015, when his health no longer allowed him to do so. He also enjoyed reading, especially westerns. Bob was an avid gun collector who made his own ammunition and could easily spend hours discussing different types of guns. Throughout his life, Bob loved many animals, including dogs, cats and horses. He had a big heart and couldn’t turn away a stray.
Preceding him in death were his first wife, Veta, son, Johnny Michael, daughters, Melissa Renee and Holly Anne, parents, Hazel and Jim, and siblings, Ruth Patterson (Fred), Tommy (Pat), Glenn, and brother-in -law, John Schwab. Robert is survived by his wife, Linda (Blockton, IA), daughter, Tiffany (boyfriend, Derek Weller) (Sharpsburg, IA), sons, Patrick (Kettle Falls, WA) and Bob (Colleen) (Saldonta, AK), siblings, Barbara Schwab (Cook, WA) and Delbert (Lois) (Underwood, WA), sister-in law, Diane Green (Cook, WA), five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Funeral service were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 in the Blockton Christian Church in Blockton, IA. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton with military rites by American Legion Post #443 and U.S. Marine Honor Guard. Arrangements were under direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, MO.
