Moss, Roy
April 3, 1922 - February 9, 2018

Clayton Roy Moss, 95, Indianola, formerly of Des Moines passed away February 9, 2018. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 am, Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Iles Dunn's Chapel in Des Moines, followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at 12:30 p.m., Thursday at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Roy was born April 3, 1922 in Alberta, Canada, his parents Ralph and Georgia Moss moved back to the US in 1924. He spent his childhood in Des Moines with a brother, Don, who preceded him in death. After graduating from North High School in 1940, he volunteered to join the 34th Infantry Division. It was Federalized in 1940 and was the first army unit in Europe in February 1942. Winston Churchill in his epic war writings said; "The 34th was the first among U.S. troops to leave the new world and carry by their sacrifice and valor the precious blessings of freedom and justice to lands enslaved." Roy was proud of his service as a combat medic attached to the 168th infantry. For service to his country, he was awarded the Purple Heart and two Silver Stars.

Upon his return to Des Moines in 1945, he met and married Rea Belle Wheeler (the girl next door!). This union was blessed with three sons: Alan, Larry and Neal. Alan and his wife, Koren, and their two children, Chelsea and Matthew and Neal and his wife, Kim and their children Alex and Stephanie. Roy thought being a grandfather was great - but being married to the grandmother was his greatest blessing. Roy and Rea celebrated 73 years together as best friends.
Roy was employed by the Sherwin Williams Paint Company, retiring in 1980 after 35 years - 28 of those as manager of a store in Highland Park. It was a most enjoyable experience, serving lots of wonderful people, customers and employees.

The over 30 years he served on the Downtown Churches Social Concerns Committee provided many wonderful opportunities for service - especially relating to Margaret Toomey and the Oak Ridge Community's youth.

Thirty-two years with Scoutmaster Kenny Poage and Troop #184 were treasured memories. During that time, he was awarded both the Silver Beaver and American Baptist Good Shepherd Scouting awards. He was also the recipient of the Interfaith Service Award from the Des Moines Area Religious Council.
Roy had a servant heart. Having accepted Christ as an adult, he served in the Forest Avenue Baptist Church in various positions for 28 years. Then when Forest Avenue disbanded, he joined First Baptist Church of Des Moines, now located in Johnston. In 1994, Roy and Rea moved to The Village in Indianola and in 2011, he transferred his membership to the First Baptist Church of Indianola.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Good Shepherd Fund at The Village or Hope Ministries in Des Moines.

Roy considered his greatest accomplishments his family and his Army service where he saved many lives and took none.

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To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Roy-Moss/Indianola-Iowa/1780775

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