Merton Allen Moore was born on May 31, 1912 in Gary County, Kansas. He was the fifth child of Allen Franklin Moore and Myrtle Mae (Hart) Moore.When Merton was one year old, his family moved to the farm north and west of Protection. He continued to live in the Protection community for the remainder of his life.
On August 2, 1936, Merton and Hershel Mildred Knapp were united in marriage at the Baptist Parsonage in Protection. To their union were born two children: Gary Robert and Myrlee Ann.
"Uncle Joe" as he was affectionately called by his nephews and nieces - grew up on the family farm. He remained there until his retirement in 1977, when he and Mildred moved into town.
He loved the farm life, the changing of the seasons, raising livestock, and the smell of freshly plowed soil. He enjoyed fishing and also making things out of wood.
Merton really loved the game of baseball, and as a young man was sought after by several local and area teams to pitch for them. Lexington, Protection, and Sitka were some of those squads.
Merton's nature being what it was, he never boasted about his personal accomplishments. But recently he was visiting with his son Gary. At that time, Merton revealed that in one baseball game years ago, he struck out 19 batters. In another contest the following week he "fanned" 21 more. With a chuckle, Merton added the fact that his team still lost both those games.
As a young man, Merton accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. He fulfilled that commitment throughout his long life.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church. His faith in the Lord was very apparent the past 3 1/2 weeks while he was hospitalized. His strength and faith touched many lives.
He was not a complainer, and he had the attitude of "Live and Let Live," Dad never forced his advice or opinions on anyone, but was willing to give those when asked to do so. Merton also had a neat sense of humor - of which his family has many fond memories.
Merton departed this life at dawn on the Lord's Day; Sunday, June 25, 1989. He leaves his wife Mildred, of the home; son Gary of Protection; daughter Myrlee Ann Greenstreet of Overland Park; brother Russell Moore of Protection; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a number of nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; one sister, Gladys Loesch, and one great grandson, Beau Davis Mollhagen.
We who remain take great comfort in Psalm 91 from God's Word.
Merton A. Moore is buried in the Protection Cemetery.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
This website is being created by HTML Guy Jerry Ferrin with the able assistance of many Contributors. Your comments, suggestions and contributions of historical information and photographs to this site are welcome. Please sign the Guest Book. This page was last updated 04 Dec 2005.