This morning we celebrated the life of Bob Moore…father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend…and gathered to remember him with stories, pictures, the sharing of a meal and an impromptu performance. Tears were shed, as the realization settled in that we will not see him again during the rest of our lifetimes. However, there was much rejoicing over a man who lived a full and joy-filled life, ever generous, ever patient and full of humor. Here is the day, captured in pictures, snapshots capturing the honoring of a man who was loved by many.
Great group of people gather to remember Bob.
Carried by love. Pallbearers: Greg Moore, Nathanael Moore, Tim Moore, Dayan Reynolds, Josh Adam, Nate Pugh
Standing at attention. Thank you to the US Navy.
Friend Daryl Hopkins shares stories from Bob’s days of piloting planes.
Grandson Nathanael with his wife, Megan. Greg and me in background.
Great-grandson Dayan. So proud of him for serving as a pallbearer.
Full Military Honors. Taps was hauntingly beautiful, played expertly by the young Navy man on the right. The folding and presentation of the US Flag was very moving.
Thinking of you, Dad Moore. Gorgeous flowers from the Garden Gate, Gentry, AR. Lovely flowering plants, that can go into the backyard garden, from Greg’s cousins: Mark, Pam, Linda & Tim and their families, and Paul and Jean Palmer and their family.
23 family members sharing memories and lunch after the services. The “adult” table.
The “children’s table”. As Greg’s cousin Linda pointed out, you know you are getting older when the children’s table looks like this!
Back at Bob’s house, a very special performance by his neighbors. I was blessed by these kids as they played the violin and sang his favorite song.
I am so grateful, to so many people. Thank you to family and friends who attended the service today and shared your stories and your love for Dad Moore. Lloyd Luginbuel, of Luginbuel Funeral Home, Prairie Grove, AR, I appreciate all that you did. You provided excellent service, with professional grace, and made our tasks easier. Special thanks to the US Navy Honor Guard for your moving tribute, and First Baptist Church of Decatur for opening your Fellowship Hall so that we could visit after the service and for providing drinks and snacks. Pallbearers Greg, Nathanael, Tim, Dayan, Josh and Nate, thank you for your tender care and honor. Pastor Paul Young and Dad’s friend, Daryl Hopkins, I so appreciated your words of encouragement during the service, and your stories. Elissa and Josh Adam, and Dayan Reynolds, thank you for staying up late last night to create the power point tribute to your grandpa. Debbie, you were great to take pictures for me.
Greg, the words you shared about your dad were so moving, so powerful. You not only revealed more of your dad’s shining soul, you pointed our awareness back to ourselves to remind us we all have shining souls as well. Every word that you shared about your father honored him. He had such an expansive soul, such love for others, such generosity of heart. Together we all combined our memories and our stories to create the legend that is Bob Moore. Thank you for sharing your dad with me. I am so proud of you as you journey well, just as your dad did. It is an honor to walk beside you. Dad Moore….thank YOU for loving me, for making me your daughter by welcoming me into your family, for teaching me so much about life.
As a pilot, Dad Moore soared high into the heavens. He learned at an early age who he was, and what he could do, even when those high-above-the-earth maneuvers pushed what was considered standard or even acceptable. He trusted himself and his instincts and he KNEW, beyond a doubt, what he was capable of. His great altitude. as he flew, allowed him to see the world in a way that few do, and it broadened his horizons and his soul. When turbulence shook him, he climbed higher, breaking through the storm clouds into light and peace and a calmness that settled into his heart and remained there. He never flinched from a challenge. He figured out how to meet it, head on, resolve it, and move on. Being in the air so often gave him a unique perspective that he carried in his heart and lived in his life, even when he was on the ground.
That’s the man I came to know. He was one of the most open, resourceful, playful, resilient and loving men I have ever met. And I loved him in return, as did many other people. Lloyd included this poem in the Memorial Folder that was handed out today. It is a fitting way to conclude my blog post, and end this time of celebrating a wonderful man who loved to fly.
High Flight\\ Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth. And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth\\ Off sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there\\ I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air…\\ Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, Where never lark or even eagle flew.\\ And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
