John Greenwood
Alton | Save
John E. Greenwood, 93, died at 11:34 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2016 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born May 15, 1922 in Gas City, Indiana, he was the son of Elmer M. and Lenora C. (Reynolds) Greenwood. Mr. Greenwood graduated from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. He attended West Virginia University, Cornell University and earned his BSBA from University of Missouri. He served as a B-17 Navigator in the 8th Air Force, 351st Bomb Group during WWII. He flew 34 missions and earned an Air Medal, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and 2 Presidential Unit Citations, a World War II Medal and a Marksman-Pistol Medal. Following his military service, Mr. Greenwood became founder and member of the Board of Directors for the 8th Air Force Memorial Museum and a member of the Mighty Eight Air Force Heritage Museum in Savannah, GA.Mr. Greenwood became a registered representative of the New York Stock Exchange and began his career as a stockbroker with Newhard, Cook & Co., Inc. in St. Louis, MO. He then worked in Alton as a stockbroker retiring from Alton Securities Group. During his career he served in various organizations including the Army and Navy Club, Lockhaven Country Club, and Rotary where he received the President’s award for outstanding service. He was also Vice President of Alton Jacees, Chairman of the City of Alton Historical Commission, Campaign Chairman of March of Dimes, and was on the Board of Directors of the Hayner Public Library. He enjoyed aviation research, photography, golf and travel.On December 26, 1947 he married the former Valerie L. Komanich at the First United Methodist Church in Alton. She preceded him in death on February 19, 2006. Surviving is a niece Joan Blechen of Temecula, CA and two great-nephews John Groves and Steven Groves, Commander, US Navy. Along with his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Groves. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2016 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Deacon Bill Kessler will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308.
Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home
Gent Funeral Home
