Though he always strove to be early, Jack C. Green, 96, of Alton, IL tarried a bit here to make sure all was taken care of before stepping into the arms of his Savior exactly on time on October 25, 2023 with family at his side. In his later years, he would be the first to tell you that he was suffering from the O.L.D. disease.

Jack was born on an 80-acre farm in Wabash County, IL to Clarence and Katie (Fisher) Green on November 26, 1926, the second of 5 boys. They were orphaned as children (Jack - aged 10) and were rescued from being placed on the orphan train when members of their family and community split them up and raised them to adulthood. Jack was drafted into the army from high school when he turned 18. He rose to the level of Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division where he was commended for his organizational skills. Upon his discharge in 1946, he returned home to Albion, IL where he received an honorary diploma from Albion High School. On June 8, 1947, he married the love of his life, Pearl Mae Wachs. He worked as the butcher at Wibbs Grocery Store, then moved on to work 34 years at Bethlehem Steel Corporation where he retired as the Manager of Sales - Northen Division in Tulsa, OK. He finished his career in sales by working 8 years at a local Silo Appliance Store. He believed strongly in good customer service.

In February 2018, Jack was selected to serve as the Veteran of the Week for the Second Session of the 56th Oklahoma Legislative Session. In 2022, he served as the Army/Air Force Parade Marshal for the 155th Annual Alton, IL Memorial Day Parade.

For fun, he loved card games, traveling, watching Cardinal baseball and golfing with friends. He walked 1.5 miles per day well into his 90's. For hobbies, he loved Toastmasters, genealogy, lawn work and repairing things for anyone who needed assistance. He was known as "The Dandelion Man" at his senior living center where he could frequently be found pulling up dandelions around the property. At church, he served as a deacon, elder, adult Sunday School teacher and volunteer maintenance man. He proudly flew his American flag in front of his home daily and frequently went door-to-door encouraging his neighbors to do the same on patriotic holidays. During the Christmas season, you could find him assembling bikes for children at the Salvation Army. He was always thinking of others. He loved Jesus. He led by example. He finished well.

He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Pearl Wachs Green, his daughters Gloria Wiedlocher of Alton, IL, Connie (Roy) Creager of Katy, TX and daughter-in-law, Nancy Aker Green of Port Charlotte, FL. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one on-the-way. His brother, Bob (Betty) Green, resides in Ellery, IL while another special sister-in-law, Betty Green, resides in Jacksonville, AK.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Katie (Fisher) Green, brothers, Ted Ray Green, Max (Ann) Green and Archie Green as well as his son, Gerald "Gerry" Green.

A viewing / visitation time (12:30 - 2:00 p.m.) will be immediately followed by a 2:00 p.m. Celebration of Life service at Community Christian Church (2345 Union School Rd, Alton, IL 62002) with the assistance of Mark's Mortuary (Wood River, IL) on Saturday, November 4, 2023. A second less formal service will be held at Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel (9350 E 51st St, Tulsa, OK 74145) on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Salvation Army in Jack Green's name.

Moore Southlawn Chapel 918-663-2233