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Maurice 'Mike' Moyer, 94, of Baton Rouge, died peacefully in his home on August 10, 2015, surrounded by family. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am Monday, August 17th at St. James Church, 205 N. Fourth St. Baton Rouge, LA., with a memorial service following at 11:00 am. Condolences may be left at www.rabenhorst.com. Mike Moyer was born in Webb City MO, the son of Ruth I. (Scott) and Claude C. Moyer. He, his two younger sisters, Ruth and Hazel, and Dean, the youngest, grew up on the family farm. While working a summer job in high school he was inspired to become a chemical engineer. He entered Missouri State University, but WWII intervened and in 1942 he volunteered as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He was stationed in California and the Aleutian Islands before being transferred to Biloxi MS near the end of the war. He met his first wife, Jeanne Francis Vories, at a Mardi Gras party in New Orleans. They were married in February 1946 and settled in Baton Rouge. Mike attended LSU, graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1947. He was hired on at the Esso refinery and was employed by 'Uncle Esso' for the rest of his working life. The couple had three children, Curtis, Susan and Cynthia. In 1965 Mike went to work for Esso Chemical International and the family moved to Brussels, Belgium. Life in Europe suited him, and the family traveled widely all over the continent. Mike became on 'oenophile', came to appreciate gourmet food, and even learned some French (often painful to hear!) In 1974 the family returned to Baton Rouge. In late 1978 his first wife Jeanne died. In 1981 he married Pauline (Polly) Ebarb Verges, widow of a work colleague and a long time family friend. Their marriage was long and active, filled with family, friends and travel. They were members of a supper club, a bridge club, a King's Day group and played tennis as often as they could.Mike spent many years in service to others. He was very involved with his church, St. James Episcopal, from the late 1940's until his death. He taught Sunday School, served repeated terms on the Vestry and as Warden, and for many years took Holy Communion to shut-ins and the sick. He worked extensively with AA, and was a strong supporter of O'Brien House, serving as Chair for a term and working on the phone 'hot line' tirelessly. He was also committed to the Boy Scouts. For over ten years he was Scoutmaster of local Troop 5, and after his return from overseas he worked with the Istrouma District Council. In 1977 he was awarded the Order of the Silver Beaver, Scouting's highest honor. Mike Moyer was very creative. He was an enthusiastic oil painter in early life, producing landscapes and portraits, and was also a woodworker and carver. One of his carved panels can be seen in the sanctuary of St. James, replacing part of the deteriorated 19th century woodwork. He was an avid gardener throughout his life and loved plants – a dangerous man to take to a nursery, which he never left without a new shrub or flower. He also loved history, music and John Wayne. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth, his first wife Jeanne Francis, and innumerable friends. He leaves behind his loving wife Polly, three children, five step-children, 13 grandchildren and three great-grand-children, as well as his sister Hazel Faulkner and brother Dean Moyer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the O'Brien House, 1220 Main St Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225-344-6345) or online.
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4 Entries
Polly, I am very sorry to learn that your husband died. I understand that you had a wonderful life together. May he rest in peace in our Lord's Heavenly home. It was not possible for me to attend his services. However, you were in my thoughts today. May God Bless you and keep you well. Fondly, Shirley M. Dauzat
August 17, 2015
Sending love and prayers to you Polly.
Nikki Reynolds-Zenzola
August 17, 2015
I am very happy to have known him. What a lovely man. Love and prayers to all
Kit Murrell
August 15, 2015
OFFERING PRAYERS FOR A FALLEN SOLDIER.
BARRY jARREAU
August 15, 2015
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