Col. Herbert L. Green

Col. Herbert L Green, 88, passed away at his residence in West Chester, Ohio on April 17 surrounded by family after bravely fighting a short illness.

Herb was born in Cameron, Texas November 8, 1937. Growing up in Laredo Texas during the Great Depression and WW II, he overcame many obstacles and proved to be an exceptional student. He attended the University of Texas at Austin on the ROTC program. Following graduation, he began a distinguished 23 year career in the U.S. Air Force. He had overseas assignments in Japan and served in the Vietnam War. He returned to the U.S. working on assignment with the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA where he met his former wife, Madelaine. As with most military families, they kept on the move, relocating to Virgina, Massachusetts, and Ohio within a ten year period.

He retired from the Air Force in 1982 and joined a start-up, Robbins Gioia, specializing in systems analysis, program management, and software for the Department of Defense. His leadership, financial acumen, and strategic thinking proved highly successful in business; over the next 16 years, he grew his business area from 2 positions at WPAFB to 160 consulting positions at military installations nationwide. He retired in 1999. Throughout his career, he was respected for his leadership, unyielding integrity, and professionalism. He took a personal interest in developing and mentoring those that had the opportunity to work with him.

A parishioner of Incarnation Church in Centerville, Herb was deeply committed to his faith and family. He was a loving father who instilled strong values in his children and guiding them to adulthood. After discovering his children’s love of skiing, he took up the sport and led the family on regular ski vacations to Michigan and Utah.

In retirement, he pursued his hobbies of photography, tennis, and golfing with his regular foursome of George, Jim, and Max. He spent many spring and summer days gardening and tending to his roses. An avid sports fan, he had season tickets for the OSU Buckeyes and made several trips to see his Longhorns play in bowl games. He was a doting grandfather and cherished family gatherings, attending their school events, taking them to the zoo and the Air Force Museum.

Herb is survived by his children Brandon (Amy), Brian (Hella), and Lara Johnson (Brent); his grandchildren Amanda, Ashlyn, and Roman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Marie, and sister Gloria Hayden.

Speaking for all three children, Herb will be missed for his love, friendship, and wisdom. He was a wise counsel for us throughout our adult lives.

A visitation will be held from 3:00-4:00pm on Tuesday, April 21, at Routsong Funeral Home in Centerville (81 N. Main Street), with funeral liturgy to immediately follow. Graveside services will take place on Wednesday, April 22, at 9:00am at Dayton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donating to Queen City Hospice of Mason, Ohio.