Rev. John Greenwade, 101, Passes Away in Lexington

Longtime minister and military veteran served in WWII and retired from California government roles

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Rev. John Wesley Greenwade, a 101-year-old minister and military veteran, passed away on January 18, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky. Greenwade was born in 1924 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and served in the Navy, Army Air Corp, and Army 82nd Airborne Division during World War II, including two tours in the South Pacific. After his military service, he entered the ministry and later worked at the Long Beach Navy Shipyard and Los Angeles County Government before retiring and moving back to Kentucky.

Why it matters

Rev. Greenwade's life spanned over a century, encompassing service in World War II, a career in ministry, and government work. His passing marks the end of an era and highlights the contributions of those who served their country and communities through multiple roles over many decades.

The details

Greenwade was born on June 12, 1924, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to Willie and Alberta Wilson Greenwade. At age 7, he accepted Christ and joined First Street Missionary Baptist Church. In 1941, at 17 years old, he joined the military and served in various branches, including as a proud paratrooper in the Army 82nd Airborne Division. After the war, he moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, and accepted a call to the ministry at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, later relocating to Los Angeles, California, where he worked at the Long Beach Navy Shipyard and Los Angeles County Government before retiring and moving back to Kentucky in 2019.

  • Greenwade was born on June 12, 1924, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
  • In 1941, at age 17, Greenwade joined the military and served during World War II.
  • After the war, Greenwade moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, and accepted a call to the ministry.
  • Greenwade later relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he worked until retiring in 2019.
  • Greenwade passed away on January 18, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky, at the age of 101.

The players

Rev. John Wesley Greenwade

A 101-year-old minister and military veteran who served in World War II and later worked in government roles in California before retiring and moving back to Kentucky.

Willie and Alberta Wilson Greenwade

Greenwade's parents, with whom he was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 1924.

First Street Missionary Baptist Church

The church Greenwade joined at age 7 after accepting Christ as his Savior.

Little River Baptist Church

The church Greenwade joined after relocating from Los Angeles to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 2019.

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

The church in Terre Haute, Indiana, where Greenwade accepted his call to the ministry after his military service.

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The takeaway

Rev. Greenwade's life exemplifies the service and dedication of those who have served their country and communities over many decades. His passing marks the end of an era and highlights the lasting impact that such individuals can have on the lives they touch.