Robert J. "Bob" Moore

Robert J. “Bob” Moore, age 89 years, a resident of Belknap, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 8:40 AM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Bob was born February 3, 1925 in Aurora. He was the son of Ray G. & Ruby Lee (Bridges) Moore On July 8, 1948, Bob was united in marriage to Catherine B. Graves at the Vienna First United Methodist Church parsonage. She survives. Other survivors include: his children – Sharon Moore of Belknap, Gary (Karen) Moore of Jonesboro, Jim (Grace) Moore of Vienna, Gail (Rich) Maynor of Vienna, Mike (Mitzi) Moore of Goreville, and Doug (Mandy) Moore of Belknap; 8 grandchildren – Zach (Katelyn) Moore, Jeff (Hailey) Moore, Trevor (Erica) Moore, Hope Hutchison, Kaitlynn Moore, Lily Moore, Kailey Moore, and Trace Moore; a great granddaughter – Brylynn Moore; 5 brothers – Ray L. Moore of Aurora, Fred (Doris) Moore of Boynton Beach, Florida, Lindell (Arlene) Moore of Oswego, Larry (Elizabeth) Moore of Aurora, and Joe (Susie) Moore; a sister – Martha Groleske of Aurora; a brother-in-law – Wayne Jeffries of Vienna; sisters-in-law – Virginia Bean, Myrna Graves and Margaret Graves all of Vienna; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by: a sister – Shirley Jeffries; 2 brothers – Charles Moore and Dean Moore; 5 brothers-in-law – Carroll Bean, Johnny Graves, Paul Graves, Edward Vaughn, and Chuck Groleske; and 3 sisters-in-law – Norma Vaughn, Delores Moore, and Barbara Duvall. Bob was a U.S. Army veteran having served during World War II. He served in the European Theater of operation as a forward artillery observer in Battery Co. A, 42nd Field Artillery, 4th Division. Bob participated in the D-Day Invasion on June 6, 1944 and was part of the 3rd wave landing on Utah Beach. Bob was the recipient of a Purple Heart as well as a commendation from the Government of France recognizing his participation in the liberation of that country during the second world war. Following his honorable discharge and return to the United States, Bob completed his education, which had been interrupted by his military service. Bob graduated from the Vienna High School. Bob had been employed as a machinist by Barber-Greene Manufacturing in Aurora. He later worked at the Mermet Rock Quarry and Main Brothers Box Company. For many years, Bob was employed by Marshall Farms near Belknap. He also was a school bus driver for the Cypress Grade School from 1990-2003. Bob was a life member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 in Vienna, American Legion Post # 127 in Murphysboro and the Disabled American Veterans. Bob was also a member of the Belknap Volunteer Fire Department from 1978 until approximately 2005. He attended the Belknap Methodist Church. Bob had a love of the land and the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. Bob also loved to display Christmas decorations and lights. He especially cherished his family and friends and was most happy spending time sitting in the swing in the front yard. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday morning, September 27, 2014, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Steve Heisner and Pastor Larry Gilbert will officiate. Burial will be in the Belknap Masonic Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be from 5 PM – 8 PM Friday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Belknap United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 167, Belknap, IL 62908 or to the Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076.

Robert J. "Bob" Moore

February 3, 1925 - September 23, 2014