Gerald L. Greene
July 07, 1937 - May 12, 2021
Gerald L. Greene passed away on May 12,
2021, at the Comfort Care Home, Newton, Kansas, surrounded by his
loving family.
Gerald was born July 7, 1937, on the
family farm East of Jewell, Kansas, to Niles & Mary Chilcott
Greene. He was welcomed to the family by his brother, Norman, and
sister, Marjorie Anne. He had a love for the outside and especially
spending time with his horse. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes
at the age of 10, but that didn’t slow him down as he continued a
full active life. He earned a BS degree in Ag Econ and a Master’s
Degree in Entomology at Kansas State University. His PhD is from
Oregon State University in Entomology and post graduate work at the
University of Kentucky.
He married Phyllis A. Rutledge on June
5, 1960. They have two daughters, Geri Arline (David) Coen, Overland
Park, Kansas; and Pamela Sue (Russ) Galle, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; six
grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Gerald is also survived
by his brother Norman (Doris) Greene of Jewell, Kansas. He was
preceded in death by his parents and sister.
During his 35-year career as a research
entomologist he took on various research projects at the University
of Kentucky; University of Florida; Sanford Experiment Station; and
Quincy Experiment Station. The family moved back to KSU Garden City
Experiment Station where he was head of the station and later did
research. He was recognized for over 20 years of dedicated service
to Kansas State University. He published over 100 scientific papers
related to crop and livestock pest management.
He cherished time with family and
enjoyed traveling, gardening, building, and woodworking. Gerald often
said “I enjoy helping people” and he demonstrated this by serving
his church community, serving on a number of different committees:
Mexican American Ministries, medical and social services for
Southwest Kansas; Habitat for Humanity, families in need of
decent/affordable housing; Board of Education special committee,
Garden City Community College, agriculture committee; Newton Senior
Center, and as an avid Rotary Club Member serving as District
Governor and other positions, as well as four missions trip to Panama
for school renovations and providing a clean water system for an
orphanage.
Memorials may be made in his memory to:
Trinity Heights United Methodist Church Memorial Fund; KSU
Foundation, Greene Insect Zoo Excellence Fund; or Rotary Club of
Newton Foundation Service Project. Contributions may be sent to
Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
A Celebration of Life Service will be
held on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Heights
United Methodist Church, 1200 Boyd Ave., Newton, KS 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial
Funeral Home, Newton, Ks.
