Kenneth Lavell Green

Kenneth “Kenny” Lavell Green passed away on September 13th., 2024 at the age of 95, as a result of complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Muse, Oklahoma on August 8th., 1929 to Lois (Jones) Green and Levi Green. His wife of almost 71-years preceded him in death, on April 21st., 2024. He is survived by their two daughters, Kendall ‘Debra’ Wallace and Tamara Hand (Bob), 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren who affectionately called him, “PoPo.”

Kenny Green was the middle son of three boys: brothers, Melvin Green (deceased) and Billy Joe Green (deceased). After his parent’s divorce when he was just 4-years-old, Kenny lived in various homes of both family and friends, but never again with his parents or brothers. This was a point of sadness throughout his life, though he never became bitter or jaded. Kenny trusted God with his life at a very early age. When he was fifteen, Kenny’s maternal aunt and uncle, Vela (Jones) and Frank Johnson of Malin, Oregon, brought him to Oregon. This was his first real home where he felt welcomed and loved. Kenny thrived, growing up with his cousins, including two favorites, Jo and Flo Johnson, and cousins Larry, Jim, and Ray Johnson. He graduated from Malin High School where he played all sports; football, basketball, and baseball and was popular among many friends.

Kenny served in the Korean War during the years of March 28th., 1951 - December 31st., 1952. He received a bronze star and was honorably discharged from the US Army. He met the love of his life at a USO dance in Nashville, Tennessee. They were head-over-heels for each other after a single dance to the song, The Tennessee Waltz. After a short, long-distance courtship, on August 23rd., 1953, in Malin, Oregon, Kenny married his beloved wife, Julia “Aline” Wallace. 

The newlyweds  moved to John Day, Oregon where his career as an Oregon State Police Officer began. Officer Kenny Green was a true hero. As a young officer assigned to The Dalles, he exchanged  himself for a young married couple who were kidnapped and held hostage. This resulted in being shot in-the-line-of-duty. He not only survived but continued an exemplary career and was assigned to the Grants Pass and then Roseburg Patrol offices. As an OSP Senior Trooper, his final fifteen years were served in the Fish and Game Division. After retirement, Kenny returned to the OSP and worked nine more years patrolling various lakes and recreation areas throughout his beloved Oregon— completing 37-years of service.

More important than career, his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren meant everything to him. “PoPo” was funny, animated, and musical. He loved country and gospel music, and enjoyed singing along. To the delight of his grandchildren PoPo took them fishing and indulged them (and himself) at local candy stores and the Dairy Queen. He gave piggy-back rides and would recite favorite bedtime stories. PoPo made sure the county fair was a must-go-to event and never missed an opportunity to cheer for the Oregon Ducks.

Kenny would give you the shirt off his back— literally. He shared his love freely, unconditionally and exemplified godliness. This was reflected through his deep love for God and exampled every day of his life. He believed in eternal life after death. During the five months following the loss of his beloved wife, he longed for a heavenly reunion with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,  his “Aline,” and other family members who went before him.

Kenneth “Kenny” Lavell Green will be laid to rest in a private burial on October 8th., 2024, in Roseburg, Oregon, at the Roseburg National Cemetery, Annex. Musgrove Family Mortuary of Eugene is in charge of interment.

A celebration of Kenny Green’s amazing, well-lived life, and memorial to his service with the US military and the Oregon State Police, will be held at the Roseburg National Cemetery, Annex, in Roseburg, Oregon on August 8th., 2025 at 1:00 p.m. 

There will be a family and friends gathering to follow hosted by his two daughters. All are welcomed.