Paul E. Moore, 86, of Frederick, CO, passed away at the UC Medical Center of the Rockies on 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 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, they married on May 4, 1981.
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. For the majority of his career, Paul worked for 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 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. Paul thoroughly enjoyed all his Danville High School class reunions including an Alaskan cruise with 14 classmates and their spouses. After his retirement in San Diego, he lived in Sun City, AZ where he continued playing softball several times per week. Paul & Nancy moved to Colorado in 2001. Paul became active in the Elks’ Lodges and truly enjoyed serving others including managing appreciation meals for first responders and benefits for those in need. He held several offices: Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, Exalted Ruler (2x), and Leading Knight.
Paul was God-loving with strong faith, he was kind and generous. He was a great mentor, had a great sense of humor, and a servant’s heart. Paul was 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 wife 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; 8 great-grandchildren; plus, nieces and nephews: Sonya (Brian) Welch, Ben Ecker, Dawn Schuldt, Dana (John) Leahy, Darcy (Fred) Oellien, Phyllis Kelly, Ed (Michelle) Anderson, and Lori Anderson. Survivors include many great nieces, nephews, and 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.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at the Danville Station Activity Room, 102 N. Main Street, Danville, Iowa on May 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM followed by visitation with the family until 4:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
