Brown County
Loren Robert Moore died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 19, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91.
A lifelong resident of Brown County, Loren loved the hills, hollers, trees and all the beauty of God‛s creation. Loren was born in a Brown County farmhouse on Oct. 29, 1924, to Harold and Elma Bright Moore. He was the third of four sons. Merrill, Keith, Loren and Harold Ray grew up helping their father on their farm just outside of Nashville. Loren graduated from Nashville High School in 1943.
Shortly after, he joined the Navy and proudly served the country he loved. He and his two older brothers all fought in World War II. Loren was stationed on the Navy carrier, Phillipine Sea, out of San Francisco. Their happiest moment came when all three brothers were reunited in California on V-J Day. There, they all took part in writing a letter home to their parents and little brother, telling them that they were safe and together and that the war was finally over.
After returning to his hometown, Loren attended a square dance where he formally met the love of his life, Ruth Irene Bond. Though she says she always knew who this handsome man was, being a Helmsburg graduate herself, she jokes that she had never talked to him before because “he was from Nashville.” The two reunited at the following square dance and 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, who was 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 were married. On Sept. 1, Ruth Bond, daughter of lifelong Brown County residents Earl and Grace Barkes Bond, joined Loren in marriage. The two exchanged vows at Nashville Christian Church, where they have been members together ever since. They honeymooned in Washington D.C. and other eastern points.
After finishing up 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 his occupation was plumber, Loren is best remembered for his life of service. Loren was an elder at Nashville Christian Church for many years. He 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. He was a charter member of the Nashville Volunteer Fire Department and served for many years. He enjoyed helping out in the annual fall fish tent for as long as he was able. He served two terms on the school board, during which time 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 a 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 and never missed an opportunity to see a ball game or race. Loren attended as many of his grandchildren‛s sporting events as he could. Loren and Ruth could often be spotted on the bleachers inside and outside of 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 of the couples’ vacation highlights were celebrating their 40th anniversary in Hawaii and their 50th anniversary in Alaska. Loren and Ruth visited 49 of the 50 states, often seeing a major league baseball game on their trips. The only state they missed was Delaware.
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 great-nephews.
Loren is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elma Moore; and two brothers, Merrill Moore and Keith Moore.
Calling hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. today, April 21, 2016, at Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. tomorrow at Nashville Christian Church. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. tomorrow, April 22, 2016, at Nashville Christian Church.
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 www.BondMitchellFuneralHome.com.
