Ernest "Ken" Moore

There are many who spend their days building material wealth or aspiring to gain accolades from the world around them. Then there are few, like Ernest “Ken” Moore, who focus their attention on caring for the world around them. Ken was kind and generous, the sort of man who was hard to miss since his warm smile accompanied him everywhere. He worked hard throughout his life doing whatever he could in order to make ends meet while demonstrating for his children the incredible value of a strong work ethic. Those who knew Ken knew that he deeply treasured the family who will be his lasting legacy.

The year 1919 marked the beginning of growth and expansion in the United States. It was during this year that the Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially bringing WWI to a close. America was now carried forward with an unemployment rate just over one percent and glimpses at life to come with the Wright brothers taking their first powered flight and the Model T that first hit the market. This was a year for great celebration in the family of Ernest and Blanche (Curtis) Moore as they welcomed the birth of their son, Ernest, on May 18th. Ernest, who was usually known as Ken, was born in Laingsburg, Michigan, on Round Lake Rd. just two doors down from the local party store. Ken was the third of four children in his family, and his father worked as a hired hand for a local farmer while his mother was a homemaker once her children were born. The Moore family moved to Maple Rapids while Ken was still a young boy where his father continued farming. Ken helped out on the farm at times and also attended Maple Rapids schools. He ran track in high school, was a good student who enjoyed math, and served as the class treasurer for his senior class. Ken graduated from high school in 1938 as part of a class of 14 students.

Not long after graduating, Ken’s life would never be the same after he made the acquaintance of the young girl with whom he would build the family he adored. Her name was Pauline Munger and although they were establishing a relationship, Pauline said she would not marry Ken until he had a job. Her father suggested that Ken inquire at the F.C. Mason Company in St. Johns and he did just that. Ken spoke directly to Mr. Frank C. Mason himself and was hired to work in the shipping area, although he soon moved to bookkeeping. With a secure job, Ken was able to marry his sweetheart on August 3, 1941. He worked hard at his job, moving his way up the ladder there until he retired after nearly 66 years as the vice president of the company.

Although he was busy establishing his career, nothing could have thrilled Ken more than when he and Pauline were blessed with the birth of their son Tom in 1951, followed by their daughter Pam in 1955. Once their children were born, Pauline stayed home to care for them. Ken and Pauline initially rented a house on Cass Street before moving to a place on Lansing Street in St. Johns. Eventually, they built their home on North Morton. As the sole provider in his family, Ken did what he needed to in order to make ends meet. He tended to the books for Patterson and Son on Saturdays, and he often did some lawn care in town as well. Through his hard work, Ken instilled within his children the importance of a strong work ethic and although his work was an important part of his life, his family always occupied the biggest piece of his heart.

With his leisure time, Ken enjoyed pursuing some of his interests. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of St. Johns where he held several leadership roles through the years. Ken also joined the Exchange Club in town where he was a member for over 50 years, and he was also a member of the St. Johns Industrial Club. Ken enjoyed breakfast nearly every morning at Alberta’s which is now at Dershey’s Café. He loved to work in his yard, play cards, and go hunting with his dog Teddy. Ken also enjoyed traveling to New Orleans where he could satiate his love for New Orleans jazz. He was honored to be the recipient of the William A. Patton Award in 2002.

It is safe to say, however, that Ken enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything else. He was thrilled to become a grandfather to three grandchildren who were the light of his life. Ken took his grandchildren out to the local café for breakfast, and he also took the entire family out for dinner in celebration of every family birthday. He was the one who always cut his grandson’s hair and was so proud that all of his children and grandchildren also worked at F.C. Mason. Ken was deeply saddened with the death of Pauline in 1992, but he continued on while drawing strength from both his family and his faith during the days that followed. He was blessed to find love again with a woman he knew from church, Barb Foster. After dating for a time, they married on November 10, 1995.

Ernest “Ken” Moore was a compassionate and generous man who greatly impacted the lives of those around him including those in his family and within his community. He always said hello to everyone whether a friend or a stranger, and he had a deep love for the community he called home throughout the majority of his lifetime. Ken never complained about the trials that came his way, rather he embraced both the peaks and the valleys along his life’s journey while maintaining the happiness which was often marked by the whistling of a happy tune. He was a true gentleman who served as a role model to so many within his reach. Ken will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those he leaves behind.

Ernest “Ken” Moore died May 19, 2010. Ken’s family includes his wife, Barb; his children, Pam (George) Rosner and Thomas Moore; his sister, Esther Carey; grandchildren, Rachel Moore, Kalem Latimer, Aaron (Jamie) Latimer; great-grandson, Lucas Latimer; and many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his wife Pauline, his parents, his sister, Rose, and brother, Raymond (Virginia) Moore. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 24, 2010, at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, with Pastor Lori Sykes officiating, burial to follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the First U.M.C. of St. Johns in memory of Ken.