Dennis Moats
October 7, 1950 ~ April 10, 2019
Gary Dennis Moats, 68, passed away at 1:07 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Columbus Regional Hospital. Dennis was born on October 7, 1950, in Flora, Illinois, to Charles Clark and Frances (Raley) Moats. He grew up in southern Illinois and Evansville, Indiana. Dennis graduated from William Henry Harrison High School in 1968 and Indiana State University in 1972 majoring in music. On December 16, 1972, he married Virginia Ross in Terre Haute, Indiana. Dennis taught band in Rockville and Edinburgh. He was the Bartholomew County Emergency Management Director for almost 25 years, retiring in 2015. Dennis and Virginia traveled extensively to many places such as Alaska, Arizona, New England and Yellowstone. Last year they visited Quito, Ecuador, followed by a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. They also enjoyed visiting wineries where they traveled. He spent many hours listening to classical music and watching movies from his vast collection. He was a long-time volunteer for the Red Cross and Red Cross Disaster Services and a two-time recipient of the Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Award. As a Red Cross instructor and instructor-trainer, Dennis taught hundreds of First Aid, CPR and Instructor classes. Dennis was the Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 560 and has been a Committee Member and Merit Badge Counselor for Boy Scout Troop 557 for 30 years. He was a 33-year member of Columbus Elks Lodge #521. An accomplished pianist and organist, he often played for church services and friends’ weddings in his younger years. Dennis was also an excellent photographer, always coming home from their travels with hundreds of photos. Dennis is survived by his wife, Virginia; sons, Charles Robert “Bob” Moats and wife, Beth, and Matthew Dennis Moats and wife, Michelle; and a grandson, Clark William Moats, all of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Curtis Alan Moats. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2019, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund of Hoosier Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America. You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet. Information: www.jewellrittman.com.
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Virginia, We are so sorry for the loss of your husband. Sending our love and prayers for loving comfort to you and your family.
We are so sorry to hear about Dennis’s passing so blessed I was able to meet Dennis&Virginia when we would come to the Lutheran Center Reunions they both made us feel so welcomed when we we attended the reunions our prayers are with Virginia& family Jerry &Wendy Harnung
So sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. Sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Matt and the entire Moats family. Dennis was a wonderful person to work with, always willing to help in any way he could. He will always be remembered for his kindness and caring nature. God bless you all.
I had the privilege of working with Dennis for many years through our emergency management careers. We had so many great times. Please know I am lifting up his family and friends during this difficult time. Our Emergency Management Office extends our sympathy to Bartholomew County as well! Allison Moore Monroe County Emergency Management
As one of Dennis’ ham radio volunteers for a quarter-century, I will always remember him as a cheerful team builder and encourager who brought out the best in many and served very well. Virginia and family, please accept my sincere condolences. Dennis will be sorely missed.
Virginia, I’m so sorry to hear about Dennis’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
The hearts of the Foster family and my radio family are heavy with the news of Dennis’ passing. Numerous times, I had contact with Dennis on news stories, interviews and community events and he was one of my favorites. Our prayers are with you during these challenging times.
Virginia, Bob, Matt and families, I was very sorry to hear about Dennis’s passing. With a close knit family as yours I know this is particularly difficult. My prayers are with you.
Those who knew Dennis will miss him….. and Heaven will now be BRIGHTER with Dennis! Sympathy to the Moats family.
Dear Virginia and Sons…Dennis was one of those people who warmed your heart with his soft smile. We will miss pouring wine with him and sincerely appreciated all that he did for us. We will deeply miss him..sending hugs and prayers.
Virginia, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Please to your sons that I am sorry for their loss. Reading his obituary made me think this the type of person that is a great example of what being a great American is. God Bless.
So sorry to learn of Dennis’ passing. Due to the pressures of the end of tax season I’m not able to attend the services. Please accept my sincere condolences. My fondest memory of Dennis was when, in 1972, I was riding with him and Virg and he graciously stopped at a liquor store and bought me 2 cases of beer so that I could continue my education on campus. I might not have been 21 at the time. Rest in peace, Dennis. Yours was a life well-lived and a job well done.
I know that the days and weeks following Dennis’ funeral will be the roughest for you. Just know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. I really didn’t get to spend much time with the two of you over the years. Hopefully, you and I can correct that in the future and get together once in awhile. I did get to know that Dennis was a friendly and caring person, and I know that he will be missed by all who knew him.
From the first announcement about Dennis on the afternoon of April 10, our thoughts of remembrance and thanksgiving for Dennis’ life are vividly before us. The video by your family, Virginia and Bob and Matt, is a beautiful tribute, and we will keep sharing about Dennis and supporting all of you in prayer. We are in these Holy Days of the year with God’s promise of new life always. May that peace for Dennis be with your family as well.