Robert L. Green

A Mass of Christian burial for Robert L. Green, 83, of Vandalia, will be at 11:00 AM Friday, March 13, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Vandalia with Father Derek Hooper officiating. Burial will follow in the Vandalia Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass at the church.

Robert passed away in the early hours of March 11, 2026 at his home.

Robert was born on the family farm South of Vandalia on November 28, 1942, to Frederick Otto and Mary Maxine (Bodine) Green.

He married Karolyn Sue (Neal) in 1967. They were married for 58 years.

Robert attended New Michigan Grade School, South of Vandalia. He graduated from Van-Far High School with the class of 1960. This class met yearly for get togethers, which he enjoyed immensely. After graduation he attended the Reisch School of Auctioneering and earned the title "COL". He used the name Col. Robert L. Green at all the sales he had. He conducted his first auction, with his father, at the age of 7. He continued to have auctions throughout the community until he retired.

He joined the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1960 and was stationed in Long Beach California and Yokosuka Japan. He served on the USS Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City was a CLG5 light guided missile cruiser and the flagship of the 7th fleet. Bob was first a boiler tender on the ship and later became a cook. Most of his time was spent overseas in Asia, he was in Vietnam during the early part of the conflict. After he was discharged, he served for two years in the Naval Reserve.

He and his father started a small merchandising business in the home on the farm. This grew into Green Supply. He and his wife worked there for over 50 years, finally retiring in 2020. Green Supply first started as a store selling merchandise to the public. This changed in 1981 and the business started doing mail orders. Many lines were being sold including Browning Arms, Colt, Winchester, Marling Firearms, and Glock along with other name-brand hunting related accessories. They employed many people from Vandalia and the surrounding areas. At times his employees numbered over 100. He enjoyed working with his employees and became friends with many over the years and still kept in contact after the business closed. Bob grew the business from a regional supplier into a nationally recognized distributor.

He was a member of Ducks Unlimited. An avid outdoorsman, his hobbies included hunting and he especially enjoyed turkey hunting with his favorite Uncle Bill. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He was also a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He is survived by a son, William Green (Jana) of Eureka Missouri, a daughter Sandra (Tim) Carter of Louisiana Missouri. A daughter Tammy Green who currently lives in Canada.

He has six grandchildren, Andrew Sprock of Laddonia. Cortney Shepherd of Bowling Green, and Ashley (Brian) Crowder of Bowling Green, Stallone Woodbury, Sophia Green, and Josephine Green of Eureka, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Richard. Two siblings that died in infancy, Jimmy and Doris.

Pallbearers will be Brian Crowder, Andrew Sprock, Stallone Woodbury, Bob Maas, Dave Kurz, and Jacob Martin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Vandalia and mailed in care of Bienhoff Funeral Home PO Box 54 Vandalia, MO 63382.