Robert Ward Moats

Robert Ward Moats
1923 ~ 2013
Robert Ward Moats, 90, born in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 12,1923, passed away on 11/8//2013, at The Idaho State Veteran's Home, in Boise, Idaho. After graduating from Tech High School in Omaha, NE, he served in the US Army Air Corps in World War II as an airplane mechanic stationed in Laredo, Texas. He then started as an installer, in Omaha, with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and continued with the same Company for 35 years. During his career he was promoted to manager of the Business Office in South Sioux City, NE, then continued as the State Manager in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, SD. He was involved in the South Dakota introduction of one of the first car phone designs in the late 40's and the placement of the "glass" phone booth in the 50's. Bob was active in many civic organizations including Rotary, Kiwanis, Cosmopolitan Club, Shriners, etc. and was involved in many fund raising efforts for these clubs. Bob also helped establish a second Cosmopolitan Club in Sioux Falls, SD. He was an avid Nebraska, Cornhusker fan, starting when he ushered at home games when he was a Boy Scout in the 1930's. He was a season ticket holder throughout the 40's, 50's, & 60's. He married Dorothy Nelsen after the War and raised 2 sons and 2 daughters. Bob was a devoted family man and rarely missed any: school activity; football; baseball; basketball or track meet; sewing contest; cheerleading event; etc., that his children were involved in. Retiring from the phone company in 1981, Bob & Dorothy moved to Mesa, AZ, then to Boise, ID, in 1996. Dorothy preceded him in death in 2012, also at the age of 90. Surviving him are his children: Robert C. Moats (Claire) of Fremont, CA; Janet M. Downey (Marty) & William W. Moats (Pamela) both of Boise, ID and Patricia Moats of Woodland Park, CO. Also 6 grandchildren: Giancarlo; Julianna; Hannah; William; Daniel & Andrew Moats. His sister and two brothers preceded him in death. His cremains, along with Dorothy's will be laid to rest at a later date in Omaha, NE where he will also be reunited with his parents. Memorial contributions are welcomed to the Activities Department of the Idaho Veteran's Home. Mail to IVAL (Idaho Veterans Assistance League) attn: Phil, 3951 N Hawthorne Way, Boise, Idaho 83703.