Richard Daniel Greene, 31 of Colorado Springs Colorado formerly of Townsend died Wednesday May 4, 2011 as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Colorado.
Richard known as “Shorty” to close family and friends was born January 26, 1980 to Richard Douglas and Donna Jean (Rude) Greene in Helena.
He grew up in Townsend and attended grade school and graduated high school from Broadwater High in 1999. Richard worked for a short time in construction prior to beginning his career in the United States Army.
His duty stations were Fort Hood, Fort Campbell, Fort Knox, and Fort Carson. At the time of his death Richard was with HHC 1st Squad, 10th Calvary 2nd HBCT Fort Carson, Colorado with a rank of Sgt. First Class. Richard’s service record was exceptional. He served two deployments to Iraq and was due to deploy to Afghanistan June 3rd this year. His service record earned him; a Bronze Star Medal w/combat Distinguishing Device “V”, 2 Bronze Star Medals, Army Commendation w/combat Distinguishing Device “V”, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Army Achievement Medals, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, 2 Iraq Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 2 Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, 2 Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Bar, Driver-W (for wheeled vehicles), Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge, Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Right Side Award, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Ranger Tab and 4 Overseas Service Bar.
Richard and Audrey Stevens were married August 2, 2002 and to their marriage, their daughter Suzanne Hope Greene was born in Fort Hood, Texas December 6, 2003. They later divorced.
Richard was a devoted loving father. He was a hardworking, trusted, loyal person. Richard was a sports fan, loved the Grizzly’s, enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, basketball, snowboarding and wakeboarding.
Richard was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Arthur Rude; his paternal grandparents, Edward and Lori Greene.
He is survived by his daughter Hope of Texas; parents, Donna and Richard Greene of Townsend; maternal grandmother, Marion Rude; brothers, Nikia (April) Greene, Jason (Casey) Greene; sisters, Tammy Allen and Heidi Brown and many extended relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 15th at Trailhead Christian Fellowship, on Highway 12 East, Townsend. Burial with full military honors will follow on the family ranch at 135 Duck Creek Road.
Two trust funds have been established for his daughter (Hope); the first Richard Greene Trust for “Hope” C/O American Federal Savings 416 Broadway Street Townsend, MT 59644 or to Richard Greene Trust for “Hope” C/O Wells Fargo Bank 350 N. Last Chance Gulch Helena, MT 59601.Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Alen & Tessie Smith says
Donna & Rich, just know we are here for you. If you need anything day or night. There are no words to ease your pain. Just know there is lots of people you can count on.
Love you guys so much
Alen & Tessie Smith
Andrew Cazier says
Richard you will be sorely missed!! You were a great person and a great asset to our country. I am happy to call you a fellow military man! To all family and friends, I am sorry for your great loss. He leaves a hole in everyone’s heart!
Bart & Trish says
Dear Rich, Donna & Family,
It is with deep sympathy that we are signing this book. Richard was a good friend to many, Dedicated Serviceman to our Country, and a great person! May your Love & Memories heal your hearts.!!! May God hold your family is his hands in the days to come!
Brandi Nance says
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic accident. Richard was such a nice guy. I went to school with him in townsend.
Carrie and Paul Bartos says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was a great friend in high school and will surely be missed. The Greene family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Clint & Misty Slider says
We never had the opportunity to meet Richard, but our daughter Monica spoke of him constantly when she was home on leave.
We picked her up at the airport in Dallas and one of the very first things she said was, “okay, so there is this guy Richard…..” and so it went. She rarely spoke of anyone she dated, so it must of been a special relationship to her.
We can’t express to you how sorry we are that you lost Richard so early and in such a tragic way. The loss of a child is never easy and there aren’t words to ease the pain. Hold on to the memories and one another.
Donald Wood says
Donna, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are now and will always be with and yours during this sad time
Donna Bley says
Donna and Rich,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Donna and Dave Bley
Ed & Wanda Watson says
Hello neighbors, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by the love of Jesus our savior, who gives eternal life.
EnvisionXpress Fort Carson says
On behalf of my staff I want to express what an exceptional American soldier SFC Greene was. He was an great 92Y. Richard truly brought delight to myself and staff with his ‘full of life spirit’. He will be truly missed by all~ Franci, Manager at EnvisionXpress
Erinn Donnell says
To the Greene family:
My condolences go out to you all. Richard was an exceptional man and I will always remember him from all the times I spent at the ranch when I was younger. You are all in my prayers.
Ileona Jara-Lay says
My brother and I met Richard riding the school bus together. You raised an exceptional son. He was an amazing friend. He was one of the most selfless men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was one of a kind and could never be replaced. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jeremy Carey says
Richard and I served together as instructors at the Scout Leaders Course Ft. Knox, KY. I’ve served with a lot of good NCOs over the years, and he was one of the best. I want his family to know what a dedicated Soldier he was, fighting selflessly and valorously for his country. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t tell a story to us instructors about his family. I could tell that family meant everything to him. You will never be forgotten, brother. See you in Fiddlers Green.
Jodi Verdensky says
Ranger you will be missed greatly. You are an inspriration to many Soldiers and all your friends. God Bless Hope and allow her to understand this as she gets older. Love you always
judy snellman says
I WAS VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RICHARD. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON. HE WAS ALWAYS VERY NICE AND VERY RESPECTFUL. HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY AND IM GLAD I GOT TO CALL HIM FRIEND.
Laura & Grant Nagel says
Richard was one of the very best young men, as well as a good friend to so many people. He touched so many lives, and for that we are all that much richer. He will be missed, and our thoughts & prayers go out to his family. Laura
pam says
Richard today as I stood in the funeral home I thought of how very proud you would be of your brothers and their wives. They have been so very strong for your mom and dad and just looking in their eyes I have seen what wonderful boys your mom and dad have raised and how much of a hole there will be with you gone. I am so honored to have seen you grow into such an exceptional young man and fatherJj9v9. You were and are loved by so many. RIP…Richard I love you and I will be there for mom. Oh ya check your glove I paid ya back. (.25)lol
Paul Sanchez says
My deepest condolenses to you & your family,Nikia. God be with you & your loved ones.
Phyllis ( Sue ) Lee says
My greatest sympathy and prayers to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Richard Greene.
Rochelle and Robert Russell says
There are no words to express our deepest sympathies on the loss of your loved one.
Sharon Baker Heigh says
Know that our prayers are with your family!
Love & Prayers,
Sharon Baker Heigh and all of my family
SSG Robert Pagan says
You will be Sorely missed. I was at you memorial today and realized not only did we lose a heck of a Soldier but a great person and mentor.
tasa and makenna thompson says
Mason, we are greatly saddened by the loss of your uncle. We are praying for you and hope you find comfort in each other and your memories. Your friend Makenna
Terry Guffey says
Please know that your sacrifice to this nation is appreciated. Rest in Peace our HERO.
To the family: As the parent of two Airborne soldiers, my heart goes out to you. May God lay His healing hand on you all and help you through this trying time.
Todd and Sheri Sullivan says
From the Crew here at Auto Concepts we are Sorry for you loss! Richard was a great man and prayers are with your family!
Maria says
I knew SFC Greene momentarily but his smile allowed me to see past the bad days as a 92Y. I remember he told me “you’ll be alright sgt your good at this, you can teach me some stuff”! He saw through my madness and knew I was struggling. So sad and hard to remember the tragic event. I was home sick and a friend called me to tell me. I hope God has taken him in and he is now watching over us.