Loren Robert Moore, 91, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
A lifelong resident of Brown County, Loren loved the hills, hollers, trees, and all the beauty of God’s creation. Born in a farmhouse to Harold and Elma Bright Moore on Oct. 29, 1924, Loren was the third of four sons. Merrill, Keith, Loren, and Harold Ray grew up helping their father on the farm just outside of Nashville. Shortly after graduating from Nashville High School in 1943, Loren joined the Navy, proudly serving the country he loved. He and his two older brothers fought in World War II. Loren was stationed on the Phillipine Sea, a Navy carrier out of San Francisco. The happiest moment came when all three brothers were reunited in California on V-J Day. Together, they wrote a letter home to their parents and little brother to say they were safe, together and that the war was finally over.
Returning to his hometown, Loren attended a square dance where he formally met the love of his life, Ruth Irene Bond. Though she always knew who this handsome man was, being a Helmsburg graduate herself, Ruth jokes that she had never talked to him before because, “He was from Nashville.” The two reunited at the next square dance, began dating and falling in love. When he proposed, Loren told her, “This is no Hollywood romance; this is for life.”
The two began making wedding plans, but Loren, still in the Navy reserves, was called back to duty to serve in the Korean War. While on a 30-day leave, Loren returned home to Nashville where he and his sweetheart, Ruth Bond, daughter of lifelong Brown County residents Earl and Grace Barkes Bond were joined in marriage on Sept. 1. The two exchanged vows at Nashville Christian Church, where together they have been members ever since. They honeymooned in Washington D.C. and other eastern points.
After finishing his service, the two bought a house on Coffey Hill Road where Ruth still resides. There they raised their family of three girls, Marcia, Marilyn, and Mary Beth, affectionately known as “the three M’s.”
Loren started his own plumbing business and was well-loved by his many customers. Though a plumber by occupation, Loren is best remembered for his life of service. An elder at Nashville Christian Church for many years, Loren also taught a Sunday school class for young married couples called the Gospel Lights. He served as “quiz master” for the church’s Bible Bowl team at the North American Christian Convention. Loren was a charter member of the Nashville Volunteer Fire Department, serving for many years. He enjoyed helping out with the annual fall fish tent as long as he was able. He served two terms on the school board, during which three of Brown County’s high schools were consolidated. Along with his wife, Loren helped with Rainbow Girls and Demolay Boys. He was a Gideon and one-time Lions Club president. Always a humble servant, Loren spent a lifetime helping others without ever seeking recognition.
An avid Indiana basketball and Cleveland Indians baseball fan, Loren loved all sports. He never missed the chance to see a ball game or race. Loren attended as many of his grandchildren’s sporting events as he could. He and Ruth often could be spotted on the bleachers inside and outside Brown County High School. Loren also loved sweets, especially his wife’s lemon pie.
Loren and Ruth enjoyed vacationing together as a couple, with family, or with a group of four other couples known as “the traveling ten.” Two vacation highlights were celebrating their 40th anniversary in Hawaii and their 50th anniversary in Alaska. Loren and Ruth visited 49 of the 50 states (missed Delaware), often seeing a major league baseball game on their trips.
Loren will be remembered by his family as a good, kind, quick-witted, charming, Christian man with beautiful blue eyes, a smile that would light up the room, and a laugh and sense of humor that kept everyone chuckling.
Loren’s legacy continues with his loving family. He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Ruth; their three daughters, Marcia (John) Boyd of Ellettsville, Marilyn (Mike) Ayers of Indianapolis, and Mary Beth (Steve) Fisher of Nashville; nine grandchildren, Contessa (Jeremy) Kendrick, Jennifer (Curt) Winders, Christie (Max) Smith, Danny (Courtney) Fisher, Lauren Logsdon, Holly (Ray) Gordon, Conner Ayers, Brooks Ayers, and Allyson Ayers; 12 great-grandchildren, Jacob Fowler, Tyler Weltich, Grace Fowler, Hannah Winders, Judah Kendrick, Caleb Winders, Isaac Smith, Shiloh Kendrick, Josh Logsdon, Maverick Smith, Scout Fisher, Eli Gordon, and soon-to-arrive baby boy Fisher; a brother, Harold Ray (Janet) Moore of Cortland; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews.
Loren was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elma Moore, and two brothers, Merrill Moore and Keith Moore.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home, State Road 135 North, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 22 at Nashville Christian Church, 160 S. Van Buren St. Funeral services will follow at the church at 11 a.m. Friday.
In Loren’s honor, contributions can be made to Nashville Christian Church’s youth missions program.
Online condolences may be made to the family at BondMitchellFuneralHome.com.
