Virgil Green

Virgil Allen Green, 90, of Jackson passed away Sunday, June 2, 2019, at NHC Healthcare in Desloge, Missouri.

He was born Aug. 15, 1928, in New Hartford, Missouri, the son of Norbert and Ethel Poindexter Green. He and Gretchen M. Kelley were married Nov. 11, 1977, in Las Vegas.

Virgil served his nation in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1950. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany, during World War II. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in England and was honorably discharged as a warrant officer in 1954. He served in the reserves for 10 years and was a lieutenant colonel in the Civil Air Patrol for 30 years.

Outside of Virgil's military career, he was a self-employed tool and die maker, general contractor, electrician and plumber. Virgil was instrumental in overseeing the construction of the current Jackson Senior Center and served on the foundation board for more than 20 years. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church near Fruitland.

Virgil was known for never meeting a stranger. One of his wishes is for everyone to spend time and do something special with a loved one.

Loving survivors include his wife of 41 years, Gretchen Green of Jackson; three sons, Kevin Green of Jackson, Michael Kelley of Simi Valley, California, and David Kelley of Moorpark, California; daughter, Kim Kuna of Ozark, Arkansas; three sisters, Virginia Fox of Troy, Missouri, Mary Villanueva of Elmhurst, New York, and Inez Myers of New Hartford; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Champ, Vernon and Lawrence Green.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Rodger Rice officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Jackson Senior Center or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.