Kenneth Ray Green

Kenneth Ray Green died peacefully at home on February 10th, 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Green; his son, Christopher and wife Liz Green; his daughter, Kendra and husband Stephen Greenwater; his sisters, Georgia Walsh, and Linda Cook; his nephew, Lee Ashlock; his cousins, Sue Ashlock, and Terry and wife Marth Corange; and numerous beloved friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Irene Green, and his cousin Wayne Corange, of whom he was inordinately fond.

Ken was born in Great Bend Kansas in 1949. He spoke often of his wonderful childhood, surrounded by a large and loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He and his parents moved frequently as his father Carl worked in the oil fields. They eventually settled in Cherokee, OK where he graduated from high school. Ken considered Cherokee his hometown and was particularly proud of his time on the Cherokee High School basketball team.

After graduating, Ken enlisted in the Marines and served in Vietnam. He was later transferred to the American Embassy in Indonesia where he met his first wife Carol, nee Ratlan, the mother of his children Chris and Kendra. The time he spent in Indonesia was one of the highlights of his life. He enjoyed sharing many amusing stories of this adventure as an Embassy guard. Apparently monkeys and tiger cubs do not make good pets.

After receiving an accounting degree from the University of North Texas, Ken spent the 80’s and 90’s as an accountant and consultant in the oil and gas industry. He remained enthusiastic about the oil fields to the end of his life, and had many amusing and alarming tales, especially about the “wild west” days of the 80’s oil boom and bust.

After retiring he bought the Blue Bonnet Bar in Norman, OK in the early 2000’s. As barkeep and owner he was a beloved fixture of the local Norman scene, until he sold it to good friends Michelle and Tanner Miller in 2016. He continued at the bar as long as he was able to. We had many, many happy memories of the Blue Bonnet and the many good friends we made there. He loved that bar.

Until his illness, Kend remained actively engaged in the lives of his family and friends and loved reminiscing about this life and the lives of those he loved so very much.

As his widow I would like to extend special thanks to Laura Birkett, family friend, who was there for us in so many ways throughout his illness, and who’s support was so greatly appreciated by us both. Thank you also to Lee Ashlock, nephew, for his invaluable help, and to his son Chris Green. Your phone calls and visits meant so much to him Chris. He loved you and Liz so much, and he was so very very proud of you both. He will be missed.

Memorial contributions to the Marines Toys for Tots would be greatly appreciated.

A Celebration of Life for Ken will be held on March 31st from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Blue Bonnet Bar. For more information please call 405-928-4550.