Edgar Zane Greene

Edgar Zane Greene passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on June 2, 2022 in Linton, Indiana, at the age of 99. He was born in Wilfred, Indiana on April 13, 1923 to Ray Ellsworth and Bonnie Loraine (Chastain) Greene. 

Edgar grew up in Sandborn, Indiana where he earned his Eagle Scout status and spent much of his time fishing, farming truck crops and driving a pickup route for Tip-Top Creamery. Upon graduation from Sandborn High School in 1942 during WWII, Edgar felt called to join the military service like his three older brothers. He married his wife of 67 years, Dorothy, on December 11, 1942 while he was home on leave from boot camp. In the Navy, Edgar served in Jacksonville, FL and on the island of Guam.   

Following his time in the service, Edgar attended Purdue University’s poultry short course through the GI Bill. He operated a commercial poultry and egg route from local farms to local grocery stores. 

On his farm south of Linton, he raised angus cattle, some hogs and poultry.  He and Dorothy had a custom poultry processing business from the early 1950’s until the mid-1970’s. Many local kids got their first job working in his hayfields. Edgar continued putting up hay into his mid 80’s.

Edgar worked as a coal miner for the Maumee and Peabody Coal Companies at the South Linton Mine and the Hawthorn Mine, retiring in 1985 with 34 years of service.

Edgar was very passionate about gardening. In the late winter, Edgar would start plants in the basement and then move them to the greenhouse, where he sold them. He would start more than 25 varieties of tomatoes and would cage 80+ plants that he would hand prune to produce bushels of fruit. He grew a big garden that over the years included giant pumpkins, beautiful flowers and too many other vegetables to name.   

Edgar and Dorothy always loved to share the blessings of their lives with others.  Edgar served several years as a scoutmaster. After moving to Linton, Edgar envisioned building a cabin beside the pond at the back of the farm. In 1976, the cabin was built. It was an investment that still serves the family and community today. Many events have taken place on the farm, including ham breakfasts with the Civitan Club and Saron Church, and hosting decades of wiener roasts and hayrides for Headstart classes where he was known as “Farmer Greene”. He was well known for cooking hams in the ground that are served at Civitan’s July 4th Ham and Egg Breakfast.

Some of the honors that Edgar received over the years included: Charter member of the Linton Civitan Club, where he held several offices including Club President and Midwest District Governor, and honored as both Civitan of the Year, and Citizen of the Year; recognized by the Linton Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow; Chairman of the Coal Mine Joint Safety Committee; he and Dorothy were inducted into the Linton Hall of Fame in 2001.

Edgar was a member of several organizations including Saron United Church of Christ, American Legion Post #22, Greene County Purdue Ag Alumni, Indiana Walnut Council, United Mine Workers of America, Dist. #12, Local 1423.

In his late 90’s with failing health, he had an amazing team of caregivers that gave him much loving care and companionship.

Edgar lived his life well, loving his wife and family, enjoying the farm and garden and serving his community. He was a pure example of a giving heart and a true role model for others to follow.

Edgar is survived by children, Donald Edgar Greene (Bonnie) of Bloomfield, Lorraine Sue (David) Evans of Elkhart, Dale Ray Greene of Linton, and Danny K Greene (Amy) of Franklin, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy Marie (Linneweber) Greene, siblings George Ellsworth Greene, Alfred Ralph Greene, Donald Roy Greene, Anita Loraine Fulford and daughters-in-law Nancy Greene and Susan Greene. 

Funeral services honoring the life of Edgar will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at Saron United Church of Christ in Linton. Edgar will be laid to rest in Sandborn Cemetery following military graveside rites provided by the American Legion Post #22.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, June 6 at Anderson-Poindexter Chapel in Linton and from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the church.

It was Edgar’s wish that memorial contributions be made to the Saron United Church of Christ or Civitan Clothe-A-Child/ Toys for Tots. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Homes, Anderson-Poindexter Chapel in Linton. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonpoindexter.com.