Leslie "Les" Moade

Leslie "Les" Moade, a cherished husband, devoted father, and doting grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, July 15, 2024, at the age of 72. Born on October 15, 1951, in Robinson, IL, Les lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and a deep love for his family, friends, and the simple joys of life.
He was the son of Earl Edwin Moade & Marion June (Fortney) Moade, who both preceded him in death, as did his sisters, Earlene "Kay" Brashier, Diane Kibler, and Marsha Stanfield. His legacy continues through his loving wife of 45 years, Rhonda (Adams) Moade, their children & spouses, Aimee & Chris Weber, James & Karrie Moade, Lacee & Patrick Keller, and his adored grandchildren, Conner, Megan, Cydnee, Peyton, Pierson, Palmer, Aria, Adler, and Ayla, alongside numerous nieces and nephews.
Les was a product of his hometown, graduating from Robinson High School in 1969 before continuing his education at Eastern Illinois University, where he majored in education and served as President of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He briefly taught high school history, but soon found his calling at Marathon, dedicating over three decades to waste management and serving on the refinery's fire team. Les later transitioned to Hoosier Energy, working in water treatment until his well-deserved retirement. His co-workers could each attest that the man's hardworking nature was matched by his jovial spirit, as he was always trying to bring a smile to those around him.
His passion for life extended well beyond his professional endeavors. Les loved to be outside, be that fishing or simply sitting beside his pond with a fire crackling, listening to a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. His love for the Cardinals was paralleled only by his heart for animals, from dogs and cats to his carefully maintained saltwater fish tanks. A man of many interests, Les once aspired to be a marine biologist and even took scuba diving classes with Rhonda. Geocaching adventures took him on journeys far and wide, and he cherished the camaraderie of bus trips with Judy Schiller's Good Life Travel Club. A history buff at heart, Les's enthusiasm for the subject was infectious.
Known for his kind-heartedness, Les was a loving father, supportive spouse, and generous soul who would lend a hand without hesitation. He contributed to his community by helping decorate the town with Christmas lights and by volunteering as a coach for kids' sports teams. Les's creativity shone when making Halloween costumes for his children and grandchildren, crafting everything from R2D2 to a walking guillotine, outfits that won him multiple prizes over the years.
A Corvette enthusiast, Les treasured his Anniversary Edition and attended Effingham's Corvette FunFest annually with Rhonda. His love for vehicles was a small part of his larger love for life. A longtime member of Highland Church of Christ, Les found solace and strength in his Bible study group and in the fellowship of his family of faith. Though we will certainly miss him, we know it will only be for a little while. After all, one day, we will meet again in that perfect place where death is a memory and tears are no more. Until that sweet day, we will cherish our memories of a life well-lived and well-loved.
A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17th, at the chapel of Highland Church of Christ. Visitors will be asked to enter through the southeast door under the awning. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 18th, at the church, with Pastor Shane Bopp officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream. Memorial contributions may be made to his grandson Conner's volunteer fire station, "Edge-Scott Fire Protection District". Memorial envelopes will be available at the church. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.