THE BALLOON MAN

SAD NEWS FROM ILLINOIS

We just received word of the death, yesterday, of Bobby Green.

Bobby played the calliope and announced for many shows.

Especially The Hugo Based shows and the Silverlake Family.

He was our neighbor when we lived in Gibsonton, FL.

Robert Greene

(January 17, 1933 - September 16, 2011)

This picture of Bobby was in an article that I published

May 27, 2011 on the blog and can be found in the blog archives.

Robert Greene, 78, of Ottawa died early Friday morning, September 16, 2011, at Ottawa Pavilion.
Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at Mueller Funeral Home, with Rev. Duane Kaufman, officiating. Following the services, the Ottawa Veteran’s Group will fold and present the flag. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday

Robert was born on January 17, 1933, in Ottawa, to Robert J. and Katherine (Johnson) Greene. He was Ottawa High School graduate of 1951. Bob joined the circus, four days after graduating from high school, and played the calliope in 25 travelling circuses, in 48 states, during his career. The only time he missed performing in the circus, were the years he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of American Legion Post 33, and the Showman’s Club, Gibsonton, Florida.
He is survived by one brother, William (JoAnn) Greene, of Ottawa and 2 nephews, Mark (Mary) Greene and Randy (Angie) Greene, both of Ottawa.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the family.