Paul Moore

Paul E Moore

Obituary Paul E. Moore, 86, of Frederick, CO, peacefully passed away at the UC Medical Center of the Rockies on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from pneumonia. Paul was born on May 2, 1937 in Burlington, Iowa to Eugene and Mildred (Schmeiser) Moore, and was raised on the family’s farm in rural Danville, IA, where he learned many life skills and the value of hard work. Paul was a 1955 graduate of Danville High School, a graduate of Burlington Junior College (now Southeastern Community College) and Iowa Wesleyan College/University; playing baseball and basketball in high school and college.

 Paul worked at Hy-Vee grocery store, for Grinnell Mutual Insurance, and in the offices of Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, IA. In the early 1960’s through the IAAP he was one of the first government employees sent to California to be trained in computer programming. Paul worked at Collins Radio Company (now Rockwell Collins) in Cedar Rapids. He worked the majority of his career at Ralston Purina in grocery products, and later in their division of Van Camp Seafood including a temporary assignment at Van Camp’s cannery on Terminal Island (Los Angeles County, CA). During his career, Van Camp maintained offices both in St. Louis and San Diego, with Paul and his family living several years in both locations. Paul was involved mainly in inventory control while at Van Camp in San Diego and he made many trips to canneries in Puerto Rico and American Samoa.

Paul married Judy Butler on April 12, 1959. They had three children, and were foster parents to six girls. They later divorced. He met Nancy Elliott at an Escondido, CA, church singles group in March of 1979, and they married on May 4, 1981.

Throughout the years Paul and Nancy enjoyed several wonderful trips, mainly to Hawaii, but also three cruises. One of those cruises was a Danville High School class reunion on a chartered ship in Alaska with 14 classmates and spouses. It was the cruise of a lifetime for all.

Paul was a wonderful gardener, grew gorgeous roses, was an avid sports fan, with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, the Denver Broncos, and the Iowa college teams being among his favorites. After his retirement in San Diego in 1997, he lived in Sun City, AZ where he continued playing softball as often as he could, several times per week. After moving to Colorado in 2001, Paul became active in the Montrose Elks Lodge #1053 where he kept very busy, always happy to serve in any way he could. He managed their brunches, appreciation meals for first responders, benefits, and bingo games for several years and truly enjoyed serving others. He held several offices there, Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, Exalted Ruler (2x), and Leading Knight. Paul and Nancy moved to Frederick, CO in February of 2015 and remained involved in the Elks organization, as members of the Tri-City Lodge #2541 in Louisville, CO, and Westminster Lodge #2227, Westminster, CO.

When people think of Paul, what comes to mind is someone who was God-loving with strong faith and was also kind, generous, and wonderful. He was a great mentor, had a great sense of humor, was a strong, good man, a blessing, a servant, happy-go-lucky and so much more. He would say “Never settle for less, when you can have Moore” and with Paul, you definitely got more. He will be greatly missed and always loved.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Nancy, two sons, Mike and Jeff Moore, both of Escondido, CA; daughter Pastor Kathy Moore of New London, IA; stepsons Robert (Kathy) Elliott of Brighton, CO; and Jim (Earleene) Elliott of Elk Grove, CA. Also surviving are his sisters Jan Moore-Ecker (Jim Ecker) of Cedar Rapids, IA; Mary Moore of Ft. Madison, IA; and sister-in-law Norma Anderson of Ramona, CA. There are five surviving grandchildren: Kenzie Higdon of New London, IA; Brendan Higdon of Burlington, IA; Christa (Gabe) Render, Melba, ID; Rebekah (Josh) Rose, Nampa, ID; and Brittany (Stephan del Rose) de la Rosa of Sacramento, CA; plus nieces and nephews: Sonya (Brian) Welch, Ben Ecker, Dawn Schuldt, Darcy (Fred) Oellien, Dana (John) Leahy, Phyllis Kelly, Ed (Michelle) Anderson, and Lori Anderson. Surviving are 8 great-grandchildren, a number of other family members, including many great nieces, nephews, and many cousins residing in Iowa, Hawaii, and other states. Paul is also survived and missed by his two kitties, Millie and Mimi, whom he dearly loved. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, daughter-in-law Lois Moore of Escondido, CA; grandson, Mike Elliott of Longmont, CO; brothers-in-law John Schuldt of Ft. Madison, IA and Bill Anderson of Ramona, CA; and many aunts and uncles.

All are invited to celebrate Paul’s life at the memorial service being held at the Westminster Elks Lodge, 3850 Elk Drive, Westminster, CO 80030 on January 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. where light refreshments will be served afterwards.  Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or charity of your choice.