Walter Michael Greene

Mike was born to parents Walter and Margaret Greene on March 1, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Center High School in 1961, and was inducted into the Center Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. Mike was a gifted athlete and a prolific high school football player at Center. After leading Center to an undefeated season in 1960 as the starting quarterback, Mike earned First Team All-State Honors and was presented with the Dr. D.M. Nigro Award (now known as the Thomas A. Simone Memorial Football Award) for the most outstanding high school football player in the Kansas City metropolitan area. He also received a scholarship to play football at the University of Missouri.

Mike later earned a degree in Business Administration from Rockhurst College and started his own painting business. He worked very hard and was an amazing, supportive father to his sons Michael and Seth. One of Mike’s biggest accomplishments was being a father and raising two sons whom he loved very much and was extremely proud of. He was always there for his sons, and was fond of telling them: “All you can do is your best.”

He was also a kind and loving partner to his spouse Bea, as well as a supportive step-father to Bea’s daughter, Megan, and son, Rodney. Mike met Bea, the love of his life, in 1997, and he cherished the 25 years they spent together. In addition to his partner Bea and sons Michael and Seth, Mike is survived by his sister, Martha “Marty” Greene, and grandchildren Alexander and Gavin Greene. Mike was predeceased by parents Walter and Margaret Greene, and sister Mary Gatchell.

Mike was known for his teasing wit and dry sense of humor, as well as his love of sports—in particular, the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and Kansas State football. An avid Wildcats fan, one of Mike’s happiest sports moments was attending the Big 12 Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium in 2003 and watching K-State win the Big 12 Championship with his son Seth.

The family graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Mount Moriah Cemetery, with a reception to follow off-site.