Paul D. Moore, 91, of Hillsboro died Jan. 2, 2021. Mr. Moore was a longtime educator. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, where he was the MIAA double’s tennis champion, and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas. After serving two years in the military, he taught English, speech, debate and drama in high schools at Purdy and Joplin. He then came to Jefferson College in Hillsboro, where he taught several years before becoming Dean of Arts and Sciences from 1968 until his retirement in 1989.
He participated in the Economic Program Development Committee for Jefferson County starting in 1968, serving as president for three years and helping to create many jobs in the area. He was heavily involved in forming Community Cablevision Inc. in 1980, serving six years as president and bringing the first cable television service to Jefferson County. He was a member of the Hillsboro Park Board from 1977-1997, serving as president for eight years, and was instrumental in the creation of the Hillsboro City Park. He was also an active member and past president of the Hillsboro Rotary Club. He was a member of Hillsboro First Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for the past 18 years.
He enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, sports, theater, fine woodworking and horticulture. His fishing skills were always on display and many had the opportunity to marvel at his meticulously crafted custom dollhouses and birdhouses.
He was born Aug. 1, 1929, in Mt. Vernon, the son of the late Volney and Sophia (Weber) Moore.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years: LoVella Iris Truhitte Moore, whom he married May 19, 1957, in Cassville; two children: Tracy (Dave) Martin of St. Louis and Scott (Jennifer Robin) Moore of Nashville, Tenn.; a brother: Hugh Moore; a sister: Mary Bacher; six grandchildren: Jennifer, Drew, Tori, Erin, Kristen and Alec, and seven great-grandchildren: Rylie, Nathan, JP, Henry, Remi, Lena and Reese.
Visitation is at 10 a.m. until a memorial service at noon Saturday, Jan. 23, at First Baptist Church, 10545 Business 21, in Hillsboro. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to First Baptist Church in Hillsboro. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert D. Brown Funeral Home in Hillsboro.