Charles Robert Greene

Charles Robert Greene, 73, passed away on September 30th, 2023 at his home in Columbia, Missouri surrounded by his family. Charles was born December 6, 1949 in Monee Illinois to Helen Elizabeth (Youngstrom) (decd. 2021) and Charles Eugene Greene (decd. 1951), and was raised by his mother and his stepfather Loren Americus Ross (decd. 2008).

Charles, known as “Bob” to all his friends and family, graduated from Crete-Monee High School in 1968. He married his first wife Benita “Bonny” Joy Maciariello (Murphy) in 1970, with whom he had 3 children. Bob served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972 where he was a Sergeant (E-5) in the Military Police while stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska.

After completing his military service, Bob briefly attended Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois before moving to Carbondale, Illinois in 1973 to enroll at Southern Illinois University (SIU). While at SIU, Bob studied Plant and Soil Science and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1977 and received his Master’s Degree in 1979. Bob worked for the Carbondale Park District for 30 years beginning in 1981 and was the Superintendent of Park Operations before retiring in 2011.

Bob was a loving father to his five children, Eric Christopher Greene, Ivan Anthony Greene, Nissa Gabrielle Leal, Gavin Shaun Flynn and Daylen Skye Flynn, his daughter in law Meni Melek, son in law Gustavo Leal, and his four grandchildren, Darren James Hale, Lillian Joy Greene, Breno Schalch Leal, and Lucas Schalch Leal.

Bob was a long-time outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing and canoeing. Bob also loved music and he enjoyed playing many instruments including the acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, and the harmonica, and he was an avid collector of vintage guitars. In his high school days, Bob took center stage as the lead singer and bass guitarist for his band “The Coming Generation”. Throughout his life, Bob drew inspiration from musical legends such as Jimmy Buffet, B.B. King, the Beatles, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, among many others.

Bob is survived by his siblings Carol Susan(Peter) Schutz and Timothy Scott Greene, his children Eric Greene (Meni Melek), Ivan Greene, Nissa Leal (Gustavo Leal) and Daylen Skye Flynn; his grandchildren Darren Hale, Lillian Greene, Breno Leal and Lucas Leal; his dear friends Tom and Sue Dilley, and Jerilu Flynn; and his beloved pets, Delilah from St. Francis and Kitten Shaun, both now residing with Daylen Skye Flynn in Missouri.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Bonny Joy Murphy (2009), his son Gavin Shaun Flynn (decd. 2015) and his close friend Jodi Louise Flynn (decd. 2017).

A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Tom Dilley rendering the eulogy. A time of visitation will be from 2:00pm until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Dinner will follow the service in a Private Party Room at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, 1206 W. Linden Street in Carbondale.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis CARE Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with local arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Bob, visit www.meredithfh.com.