Donald R. Moore

The world has lost a kind, humble, funny man….but Heaven has gained a special soul. After a courageous battle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease, Donald R. Moore, age 79, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2015. Don married the love of his life, Betty(Reiser) Moore on November 3, 1962 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon and what he claims was the happiest day of his life. Betty survives along with their children and spouses: Dancie(Chris) Mohler of Celina, Ohio; Chris(Beth)Moore of Napoleon; Kyle(Paula)Moore of Napoleon. His 2 dogs, Buddy & Scooter, also mourn his passing. Don is survived by 8 grandchildren who adored their Grandpa…Eric, Keaton & Cami Mohler; Ryan, Collin, & Landon Moore; Danielle & Karinne Moore. 2 sisters; Marilyn(Norm)Maddock of Texas and Marj(Chuck)Huber of Defiance. In-laws; Marc & Rita(Reiser)Fox of Chicago & John & Jan(Reiser)Leatherman of Napoleon. Deceased are his brothers, Tommy Moore & Bob(Jean)Moore, and sisters, June(Larry)Otto & Sally(Rod)Stowell. Don was born at his home in Holgate, Ohio on June 3, 1936 to Ivan and Hazel(Marie)Moore. He graduated from Holgate High School in 1955, having played many years of baseball and basketball, and was a member of the state championship Holgate Tigers basketball team. As a baseball player, Don was asked to try out for the Detroit Tigers & St. Louis Cardinals but despite his athletic skills, Don was told he was too small for the majors. Don attended Ohio University and soon joined the Army in 1958 as a medic. He was stationed in Germany and was given the opportunity to travel Europe and play baseball. It was in Germany that he heard the name “Dancie” and that was the name he & Betty gave their first child. When Don returned home from the service, he went to work at the Campbell Soup Company where he was a timekeeper for many years. That’s also where he met & fell in love with Betty. Don was an honest, respected business owner in Ohio. In the early 1970’s, Don & Betty acquired Reiser Realty from his father-in-law, Lawrence. Don went on to become a top Realtor/Broker in Northwest Ohio. The business, now 86 years old, has since been passed down to his son, Kyle. It is the longest, family owned real estate company in the state of Ohio. He, Betty, and sons Chris & Kyle, have all treasured the friendships and partnerships they have made as Realtors. Don was appointed president of the Northwest Ohio Board of Realtors, received emeritus status for his years in real estate, and in the 1990’s, became a licensed auctioneer, a career he enjoyed many weekends with Betty as his clerk. He donated his services to many charity auctions, including Ducks Unlimited, Henry County Home Health & Hospice, and the Symphony of Trees. Don was an active leader in the community, serving as president of the Napoleon-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and Optimist Club. He was also a member of Jaycees & Napoleon Athletic Boosters. Don and his brother Bob were instrumental in organizing and chaperoning teen dances at the Napoleon Armory in the 1960’s. Don’s faith was first and foremost in his life. He loved the Lord and was committed to practicing his faith. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Napoleon and served on many committees over the past 50 years. He was named president of both the school board and church council, was a member of the St. Paul Athletic Boosters and offered his time as an elder. Don was often heard singing old favorites like Take Me Out to the Ballgame, Froggy Went A-Courtin’ and the old hymns like Rock of Ages, The Old Rugged Cross, and Amazing Grace. He put his love of music to good use, starring in several theatrical performances including Li’l Abner and Fiddler on the Roof at St. Paul’s and the Maumee Valley Civic Theatre. Some of Don & Betty’s deepest friendships were formed at St. Paul’s including their monthly card club. One of Don’s passions was sports and besides playing on many teams, he served as a referee and umpire in Northwest Ohio in the 1960’s & 70’s. Baseball was his favorite sport and he enjoyed mentoring young athletes during his 20+ years as a Little League coach for the Senators in Napoleon. But perhaps more than anything, he loved his New York Yankees, acquiring an extensive collection of sports memorabilia dating back to Babe Ruth. He loved to share his knowledge an enjoyment of baseball, trading cards with kids of all ages, and despite their team preference, he often teasingly greeted them with “Hey, Yankee!” Don was a man of small stature, but to many who knew him, he was larger than life. To borrow a bit of baseball analogy: Despite all the curve balls and hard pitches thrown at him in his life, Don seldom complained. He just stepped up to the plate and took his swings. He had countless health challenges in his 79-years, but never once did he ask “why me”. He accepted his diagnoses & treatments with courage, strength & dignity. Skin cancer was unrelenting for Don, and both he & Betty want everyone to know the risks and take necessary precautions in the sun. Until the very end, it was important to Don that he thank as many people as possible for giving him the life he valued and he wanted everyone to know how much he loved them, truly loved them. He tried hard to live by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Don never knew a stranger. He wanted to bring smiles and laughter to all generations, and it is that fun-loving, positive, bright energy we will miss most about him. As a husband, father, grandpa, brother and a friend, Don left a legacy of love and laughter that will be cherished and carried on for generations. Visitation will be held Saturday from 2-8 pm at Rodenberger Funeral Home in Napoleon. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 2:00pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Glenwood Ave. in Napoleon with visitation 1-hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Napoleon Joint Veteran Posts. Memorial contributions can be made to Henry County Home Health & Hospice, St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Henry County Special Olympics or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Donald R. Moore

June 3, 1936 - September 9, 2015