Lawrence Vern Greenwood, Jr., 91, of Golconda, Illinois, passed peacefully on June 3, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee following a brief illness. Born in Olney, Illinois on September 25, 1933, Lawrence was the youngest son of Ona Mowrer Greenwood and Lawrence Vern Greenwood, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Kay, his brother William Greenwood, and children, Daniel Greenwood, Stefanie Williams, and Angela Kremer.

Vern, as he was known by friends, family, and colleagues, was admired for his quick wit and fierce dedication to family and community. He leaves behind a legacy marked by service, education, and a zest for life.

He was the proud husband to Kay Meyer, with whom he shared over 56 years of marriage. Together, they raised their children: Daniel (Tara) Greenwood of Golconda, Illinois, and Stefanie (Richard) Williams of Franklin, Tennessee, who fondly remember him for his humorous demeanor, determined spirit and love for storytelling over a glass of bourbon on his deck overlooking the Ohio River.

A veteran of the US Army, Vern served his country proudly as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division from 1953 to 1955. During his military service, he completed 14 jumps, his last resulting in an injury that earned him an early, and honorable discharge.  Upon his return to Richland County, Illinois, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1962, followed by a Master of Science in Education Administration from Northern Illinois University in 1980.

Vern dedicated his career to education, shaping minds as a mathematics instructor at Southeastern Illinois College from 1978 until his retirement in 1995. Prior to that, he inspired students as a high school mathematics teacher from 1962-1977. His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, serving eight years on the Pope County Community School District School Board, where he served as President from 1986 to 1990.

He was respected and admired not only for his devotion to family and country, but also for his easy-going personality, strong work ethic, genuine friendliness, and great sense of humor. He cherished sharing his passions—travel, flying, boating—with his family, especially enjoying bourbon tastings on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with daughter Stefanie, boat rides, sharing aviation stories, and working diligently alongside son Daniel on their properties near Cave-in-Rock and Golconda, Illinois. He is loved beyond measure and will be missed forever.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other gifts of sympathy, the family requests donations be made in his memory to:
Alive Hospice Nashville https://www.alivehospice.org/get-involved/give

or
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Cardiology https://tinyurl.com/LVGVUMC