Charles “Chuck” LeRoy Green, 83, of Raton, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Chuck was born on November 5, 1942, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Charles Ashbrook Green and Helen Louise Clark. He was raised and attended school in Argentine, Kansas. Chuck married Jeanette (Scarselli) Green on March 16, 1968, in Kansas City, Missouri and together they made their home in Raton, New Mexico, where they spent many years raising their four children.
Chuck proudly served his country as a United States Navy veteran, serving aboard the USS Oriskany during the Vietnam Conflict from 1962 to 1966. During his service in 1963, he received a special commendation for his bravery after diving into the water without hesitation to rescue a shipmate who had fallen from the quay wall. Following his military service, Chuck worked as a coal miner, spending many years in the mines of Raton and Alabama. His career included work with Kaiser Steel, P&M Coal and Chevron Mining Inc, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dependability. After the mines closed, with his wife, they operated a state licensed daycare for 15 years.
In retirement, Chuck enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, followed the Kansas City Chiefs with enthusiasm, and cherished time with his grandchildren. He is fondly remembered for teaching his children to fish, bowl, and play cards and board games. Chuck volunteered with the Catholic schools and was known to family and friends, especially his nieces and nephews, as a jokester who loved to make people laugh. He was also known for his fantastic homemade pies, his love of cats, television game shows, and his fondness for Karate Kid movies. He enjoyed horse racing, gambling, and dancing, which always brought smiles to those around him.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rodney Green; and his son-in-law, Jason Kokoszka.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Green; his children Sean (Terri) Green, Suzette (David) Kramer, Annette Kokoszka, and Stephen (Natalie) Green; his grandchildren Roslynn and Simon Green, Landon and Braxton Kokoszka, Andrew and Sara Segotta; his great-grandchild Brayden Decker; and many nieces and nephews, including Linda (Sean) Hudson.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in the spring in Raton, New Mexico, with details to be announced later.
