Robert Bowen Moore Jr.

Dr. Robert Bowen Moore Jr., 88 of Benton, died on July 19, 2012. He was a fifth generation Methodist Minister born in Texarkana, Ark. on Nov. 20,1923 to the late Rev. Dr Robert Bowen Moore Sr. and Mary Lillian McAlister Moore. After graduating from Pine Bluff High School, Dr. Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served during World War II. He saw action in all theaters of the war including Europe and the Pacific. He rose to the rank of Boatswain's Mate 1st Class aboard the U.S.S. Raymond (D.E. 341). He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for service in the Battle Off Samar in which his task force defeated a larger enemy fleet. After separation from the service in 1946, he attended Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., where he earned a BS degree. Dr Bob then attended Perkins School of Theology where he earned his degree in Divinity and was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Dr Bob began his ministry at Portland Montrose. During the course of his ordained ministry, he served churches throughout Arkansas and Texas including Hope, Highland, Magnolia, Baytown, Port Arthur, and San Angelo. He retired in 1989 after 40 years of ministry and lived his remaining years in Benton with his wife, Eva. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife and mother of three of his children, Josephine Sahli Moore; two sons, Jim and John; a brother, Rear Admiral Withers Moore; a sister, Martha Sue Jefferies; and brother in law, Robert Jefferies. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Eva Power Moore; son, Dr Robert Bowen Moore III and wife MaryLou of Blacksburg, Va.; son, Col. Don Kaminar and wife Toni of Bryant; daughter, Kie Moore Baxley and husband Tom of Benton; sister in law, Betty Moore; grandchildren Ashley Waite (Tyler), Kyle and Kate Moore, 1st Lt. Ben (Sarah), Krystal, and 2nd Lt. Jonathan Kaminar, and Bo and Jesse Baxley. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Benton in the Christian Life Center with visitation and reception to follow. Arrangements are by Roller Ballard Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Youth Program, 200 North Market St, Benton, Ark. 72015. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.