1939-2022
Bobby Ray “Bob” Moore, 83, of Auburn died peacefully at his home on March 29,2022 with his family at his side. He was born February 20, 1939, in Shawneetown, Illinois. He was one of three boys raised primarily by his mother in a house with dirt floors and no real windows.
He did farm work until he convinced a local recruiter that he was old enough to join the Navy. He wasn't. This was how a farm boy from southern Illinois ended up seeing the world. His service took him to Japan, Korea, Germany, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Maryland, and ultimately Maine.
Bob retired from the Navy in 1975 and spent the next 11 years as a single dad, raising three rambunctious boys. Their home on the corner of Webster and Moody Streets in Lewiston was often filled with teenage boys doing teenage boy things.
In 1995, he retired again, this time from the US Postal Service. Many people in Lewiston knew Bob as the person who worked the post office window on Ash Street for many years.
Bob’s retirement was not restful. That wasn’t his style. In addition to building incredible set designs for Community Little Theatre in Auburn, he and his wife, Pauline, started a business called “Moore Than A Cookie Jar.” They were familiar faces on the craft show circuit, selling cookies, whoopie pies, and handmade crafts.
Much of his retirement was also spent on the road visiting family. He easily logged over 100,000 miles making multiple trips to Georgia, Wisconsin, Florida, and Pennsylvania where his favorite people lived. He prided himself on traveling great distances to attend birthday parties, graduations, and weddings. His track record will never be topped.
Bob is survived by his companion of 15 years, Crystal McKay of Otisfield, ME who helped care for him; two sons, Mike Moore and wife Becky of Appleton, WI, and Steve Moore and wife Catherine of Tampa, FL; a daughter, Bim Arthun and husband Tim of Harrisburg, PA; daughter-in-law, Susan Moore of Franklin, GA; and two brothers, Bill Moore and wife Faye of Galatia, IL, and Pete Moore and wife Pat of Piedmont, MO. He is also survived by his greatest loves, his grandchildren: Jessica, Alexandra, Kristina, Tim, Shawn, Jacob, Andrew, and Max; and great-grandchildren: Dawson, Caden, Brennan, Carter, Ella, Kinsley, Bailey, Henry, and Conor.
Bob is predeceased by his first wife, Ann, with whom he remained friends even after their divorce; his second wife, Pauline Cauouette Moore, a well-known Auburn school teacher; and Robert Moore, his first born son. Pauline had ALS and Robert (Bob) passed away from pancreatic cancer at 37. Both deaths were immense heartaches, but Bob persevered through the tough times, a hallmark of his life.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, physicians and office staff of CMMC and Hematology-Oncology Associates.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting our nation’s veterans, specifically the Maine Veterans’ Homes – South Paris and Cabin in the Woods, Togus VA Medical Center. We also encourage you to donate blood and platelets at your local blood donation center. Previous donations are what gave us precious more time with Dad/Bob/Grandpa.
Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com
We will gather to remember Bob at The Fortin Group funeral home on Turner Street in Auburn on April 23rd starting at 2pm. An informal remembrance ceremony will start at 4pm
Arrangements are under the care and direction of The Fortin Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210 207-783-8545
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