Robert L. Green

Robert L. Green, 83, of Vandalia, passed away at his home in the early hours of March 11, 2026.

Born on the family farm south of Vandalia on November 28, 1942, to Frederick Otto and Mary Maxine (Bodine) Green, Robert grew up rooted in the community he would later serve and strengthen. He attended New Michigan Grade School and graduated from Van-Far High School with the class of 1960, maintaining cherished annual reunions with his classmates throughout his life. In 1967, he married Karolyn Sue Neal; together they shared 58 devoted years.

After high school, Robert trained at the Reisch School of Auctioneering, earning the title “COL” and beginning a lifelong calling as an auctioneer. He conducted his first auction alongside his father at the age of seven and continued serving the community through auctions until retirement. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Oklahoma City, a guided missile cruiser and flagship of the 7th Fleet, stationed in Long Beach, California, and Yokosuka, Japan. His service took him across Asia, including time in Vietnam during the early years of the conflict. Upon returning home, he and his father established a small merchandising business on the family farm that grew into Green Supply. Robert and Karolyn operated the company for more than 50 years, expanding it from a local store into a nationally recognized distributor of firearms and hunting accessories. He took great pride in the many people from Vandalia and surrounding areas whom he employed and befriended over the decades.

An avid outdoorsman and lifetime member of Ducks Unlimited, Robert especially loved turkey hunting with his favorite uncle, Bill. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and found deep joy in time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Karolyn; son William Green (Jana) of Eureka, Missouri; daughters Sandra (Tim) Carter of Louisiana, Missouri, and Tammy Green of Canada; six grandchildren, Andrew Sprock, Cortney Shepherd, Ashley (Brian) Crowder, Stallone Woodbury, Sophia Green, and Josephine Green; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, and infant siblings Jimmy and Doris.