WHITELAND
John Richard Green, 92, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2018, surrounded by many family members at the home of his daughter in Whiteland, Indiana. He was deeply loved and admired by family and friends and will be greatly missed. John was born September 5, 1925 in Gwynneville, Indiana to parents James Cyrus Green and Mary Sefton Green. He graduated from Greensburg High School in 1943 and immediately entered service in the United States Navy. After training as a Hospital Corpsman, he was assigned to the 6th Naval Beach Battalion and was attached to the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division for the Normandy Invasion. John landed on Omaha Beach on the morning of D-Day, June 6th, 1944, for which service he received a Bronze Star and Combat Medical Badge, French Croix de Guerre, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He also served in the Pacific Theater of Operations aboard amphibious assault ships and left the Navy with the rank of Pharmacist’s Mate First Class. Following his wartime service, he attended Indiana University. In 1947, he married Martha Ellen Holtzlider, of Greensburg, Indiana. They were married for over 60 years, raising three children. John initially worked as a hospital lab technician and then entered the insurance business. He worked as a field adjuster and became partner and part owner of an independent insurance agency in Rushville, Indiana. Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling with grandchildren, the tree farm he and Martha established in Rush County, and many history-related activities. John served in and was a member of many organizations including Sons of the American Revolution, Indiana Historical Society, Rush County Historical Society, Civil War Roundtable, Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion. He was an Eagle Scout and a Scoutmaster for 25 years. John was preceded in death by wife Martha, son James Richard Green, and granddaughter Rebecca Welch. Survivors include children Michael Green (Jean Anne), Nancy Brant (Keith), Rick Green (Teresa), grandchildren Chris Green, Elizabeth Albright, Joe Green, Joanna Ncube, Joel Welch, Rachael Welch, Adam Green, Aaron Green, and Brenna Green, and eight great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM followed by a service at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Flanner Buchanan Funeral Center, Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Boulevard West Drive. Burial will be at Washington Park North Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting stjude.org.
