Robert Joseph Michael Greathouse's Obituary
“Bob”, “Hawk Eyes”, “Brother”, “Dear Old Dad” and “Notorious B.O.B”, as he was so
lovingly called by family and friends, was born on January 20, 1947 in Centralia,
Illinois to his parents Harry Everett Greathouse and Margaret Louise Greathouse.
After graduating high school in 1965, at the tender age of eighteen, Dad enlisted in
the United States Army. Dad served eight years and completed three tours of duty in
Vietnam. He was a decorated soldier, during and following his service, he was
honored with the following commendations: The Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star
Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and
Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following his discharge from the Army, Dad joined Ameren UE in 1973. During his
twenty-nine year career, he served in a variety of roles, including Porter and Nuclear
Reactor Operator Engineer. He also served proudly as a Union Steward for the
Operating Engineers Local 148, at the Calloway Nuclear Power Plant, as serving
others was his life’s calling. He retired from Ameren UE in July 2002, after a long and
distinguished career.
He was not only a proud member of the Ameren UE family, but in 1974, he started
his own family after marrying Mattie Bernice Kelly, and became a proud father to
Tracy Katina Kelly and Willie Kelly. Their marriage was blessed with three additional
children: Tene’ Ajenu Greathouse, Tuere Adaeze’ Greathouse and Robert Joseph
Michael Greathouse, Jr. He most cherished being a father and was a loving and
devoted “Dear Old Dad”.
He also enjoyed spending time with his sisters and brother, taking road trips, lending
a helping hand on family projects and freely sharing laughter and smiles. His family
and friends meant everything to him and he always enjoyed their company.
He was a proud grandfather to three grandchildren: Adaeze Ajenu Greathouse, Jayon
Elijah Smith and Cayden Dylan Kelly. Dad enjoyed many hobbies, the foremost of
which was his lifelong love of the St. Louis Cardinals. Dear Old Dad also collected
baseball cards, enjoyed gambling, was a voracious reader, enjoyed crossword
puzzles and was a huge music fan. On a bright sunny day, you would often find him
reading his newspaper and listening to the ballgame.
Dad was called home on Saturday, April 24, 2021. His father, Harry E. Greathouse, Sr.;
mother, Margaret L. Greathouse and brother, Harry E. Greathouse, Jr. preceded him in
death.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories: five children ~ Tracy Katina Dudley, Willie
Kelly, Tene’ Ajenu Greathouse (Raymond S. Lee), Tuere Adaeze’ Greathouse (Jabaar
E. Smith) and Robert Joseph Michael Greathouse, Jr.; three sisters ~ Cheryl
Greathouse, Karen Redfern and Jill Fairless (Mitchell Fairless); one niece ~ Rene
Greathouse; one nephew ~ Andre Harris; three grandchildren ~ Adaeze’ Ajenu
Greathouse, Jayon Elijah Smith and Cayden Dylan Kelly; and lastly many extended
family and cherished friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
