In Memory of Officer John L. Greenley (ret) by Terry Welty.

John was a St. Charles Police Officer for over 25 years, he loved his work, his friends, his family, and his music. John enjoyed collecting musical instruments. Guitars mostly. He and some friends would sit around and strum on them from time to time, I honestly think John wanted to be in a band. John started to play his guitars more often and was really doing good, and he would often say, “Wanna start a band?” I knew he was kidding, but I always said sure! Unfortunately, the band was never to be, as Cancer struck my very good friend, at the age of 56.

My beloved friend John was taken from us. Before he passed, he asked me to come over and wanted me to have a small pile of memorabilia I had given him over the years. John had a great idea – he knew I had donated to Play It Forward Musical Foundation, here in St. Louis, in the past and he suggested we auction off his items and use the money to help kids get instruments. He said, “Maybe we can help a kid keep a dream alive.” Of course, I said, “great Idea!”

Because of Officer John L. Greenley, dreams will be kept alive! In John’s memory, Play It Forward introduced me to Anthony, a senior at CPVA High School. Young Anthony has been playing for nearly 5 years, and upon graduating this year he needed his own Tuba to continue his college education when he attends school in Chicago this fall. We purchased Anthony the Tuba.

Play It Forward also connected us with Drake from JUMP ( Junior Urban Music Program) who teaches inner-city students at Messiah during the summer. Drake has 5 students that were in need of violins. In memory of John, we were able to purchase all 5 violins.

John was one of a kind.

He was a good friend and loved many, many people. He will be treasured and missed every day. These photos will show you his personality; a great sense of humor, with a hint of sarcasm… that was John. His family and friends inspired me to continue John’s legacy and do something meaningful in his memory.

He will be treasured and missed every day. Please enjoy the photo Gallery of John and his musical contributions in his memory.

Terry

A GoFundMe page has been created in his honour.