Charles Ellis Moore

Charles Ellis Moore, age 94 of Byrd Township, Ohio, died Monday, July 18, 2016 at his residence.  He was born August 12, 1921 in Byrd Township the youngest son of the late George and Edna Moore.  He was also preceded in death by four brothers – Thomas, Cecil, Hubert and James Moore; three sisters – Alice Tooker, Anna Lemon and Elenor Emery. 

Mr. Moore attended and graduated from Decatur High school in 1939.  He proudly enlisted to serve his country in the United States Air Force in 1942.  As a member of the 8th Air Force, 385 Div., he flew in the B-17 as an aerial gunner.  On his 15th mission on May 8, 1944, his plane was shot down over Berlin, Germany.  He, along with other crew members, were captured and taken to Stalag Luft 4, a prison camp in Poland.  Later, he was transferred by train to Barth, Germany, remaining there until being liberated at the end of war on May 5, 1945.  He was flown to Camp Lucky Strike in France where he joined many liberated soldiers awaiting their return to the United States.  At the rank of Staff Sergeant, he was discharged on October 12, 1945.

On October 26, 1945 Charles married Rose Pfeffer.  He and Rose resided and worked in the Ripley community until Rose’s death in 1984.  Mr. Moore was employed by the Ripley Union School District for 27 years, retiring in 1976. He was a member of the Ripley Fire Dept. for 15 years and was also a member of the Courts-Fussnecker American Legion Post 367 of Ripley, Ohio, the Disabled American Veterans and the Ripley First Presbyterian Church.

On August 9, 1985 Charles married Donna Erickson Scott and they have resided on “Peaceful Valley Farms” in Byrd Township since their marriage.  With his marriage to Donna, Charles became step-father to three children –  Rick and Martha Holbrook of Sardinia, Drew and Sherry Scott of Greeneville, Ohio and Duane and Connie Scott of Decatur, Ohio; eight grandchildren – Tim and Corrin (Holbrook) Geraci, Ryan Holbrook, Laura Holbrook, Andrew and Kara Scott, Matthew and Nicole Scott, Ben and Brittany Scott, Quinten and Amanda Scott and Dylan Scott; five great grandchildren – Payton, Quinn and Maggie Geraci, Audrey Scott and Ella Mae Holbrook.  He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Since moving to the Decatur area, Charles has volunteered many many hours helping with the Decatur Cemetery and the Decatur Community Center. He unselfishly gave his time and devotion to community projects.  He and Donna are well respected in the community and have many friends in the Byrd Township, Decatur and Ripley area.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the Ripley First Presbyterian Church in Ripley, Ohio. Rev. Wayne Reveal will officiate.  Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Thursday at the church.  Interment will follow the funeral service in Maplewood Cemetery in Ripley with military honors provided by the Courts-Fussnecker American Legion Post 367 of Ripley. The Cahall Funeral Home in Ripley, Ohio is serving the family.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to:  The Byrd Township Community Center 5255 State Route 763 Ripley, Ohio 45167 or to Stein Hospice 100 Liming Farm Rd. Mt. Orab, Ohio 45154.