Gayle Russell Green was born September 20, 1928 in Henderson County. He was the 6th child of Nancy Banta Green and Orvie William Green. His early years were spent in Henderson County country schools. His favorite was Hazel Dell and the teacher was Geneva Welch.
His family moved to Warren County south east of Berwick in the spring of his 8th grade. He graduated from Avon High School in 1948.
He farmed with his brothers, Sam and Roy, south of Berwick. They added a couple more farms and continued to farm until they all retired in 1993.
He joined the National Guard and was in the 44th Inf Division Artillery. He served a tour of duty in the Korean Conflict as Motor Sgt. He supervised maintenance on unit vehicles and delivered Ammo to the front line.
He used his G.I. Bill to take flying lessons, received his pilot license, and bought an old J-3 Piper Cub. He proceeded to restore it. From then on, farming was his “Profession”, but flying was his “Obsession”! He went flying whenever the weather permitted and he had a couple hours free. He ended up owning or part owning three more airplanes. His favorite was the last one which was a 1946 Ercoupe. He got an award for being the oldest pilot at the Fulton County Fly Club Breakfast in 2007. A friend, Phillip Wolford took him flying in a Piper Cub a few years later and that was his last airplane ride and he got to fly it some. He was thrilled!
Gayle also loved music. His favorite was the big bands from the 40’s. He first learned to play an Accordion. Which he really enjoyed. Then bought a Lowrey Electric Organ, took lessons, and enjoyed playing it for years. Playing the organ was his way of relaxing in the evenings.
Gayle married Dorlene Mosher on December 31st 1962. They were married almost 36 years when she passed away in 1998. In March of 1999, while having coffee at Hardees, Gayle was introduced to Pat (McCutchan) White. They were married in 2000 on a day they could both remember, February 14th.
They both enjoyed travel and made many trips to Florida and Branson, Missouri. They also went to Arizona, Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Washington D.C. In 2002 they flew to Vancouver, went on a cruise to Alaska, on to Fairbanks by rail and flew back to Illinois.
Early in 2004 Gayle’s older brother Sam came to live with he and Pat. They cared for him for over 7 years until his death in July of 2011. During that time Gayle spent a lot of time fixing up his farm. He tore down an old barn, remodeled another barn into a machine shed, added 2 ponds and a cabin. Many friends and family had fun times at the cabin or fishing. Including friends from Pennsylvania that came to deer hunt.
Gayle Green, 93 passed away at the Roseville Rehabilitation and Health Care, Friday, September 24, 2021.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, a special nephew, Mark Andersen and many other nieces and nephews. Also 4 step-daughters. Sheri Owen, Sinda White, Peggi White, and Penni Romero., 8 step grandchildren, and 7 step great grandchildren and 2 step-sons-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy and Orvie Green, brothers, Kenneth, Roy, and Sam Green. Also, sisters Frances Brown, Norma Yeoman, and Joyce Price.
Graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the Abingdon Cemetery. Rev. Danny Hunt, a good friend, will officiate. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel, the family will not be present. In accordance with the CDC and IDPH Covid Guidelines, masks will be required in the funeral home and at the graveside service.
