Maurice Mooers

Maurice "Maury" Charles Mooers, 90, died peacefully on September 25, 2024 in Kelso, Washington. He was born Oct. 30, 1933, in Portland, Oregon, to Allen and Alice (Glover) Mooers. His second wife of 48 years, Sharrel (Thompson) Mooers, and sister Nancy (Mooers) Holman preceded him in death. He is survived by sisters Aleen Bessonette, 96, and Susan (Michael) Geiser, 81. Maury also leaves five children from both of his marriages. From his first marriage, in 1957, to Carolyn Hayes: Spencer (Lisa) Mooers, Cathlamet; Morian (Sharon) Mooers, Seattle; Darcie (Brian) Neeson, Florida; Erin (Wendy) Mooers, Camas. After his marriage to Sharrel in 1973, they chose to adopt Kerry (Erin) Mooers, Prineville, OR. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, three nephews, and two nieces.

Maury grew up on the family farm between Cathlamet and Skamokawa and proudly said he was from Skamokawa. He excelled in sports and 4-H at Wahkiakum High School and earned a leadership trip to Chicago. During high school football, he was tackled so hard that it damaged his kidneys. Later in life, he was pushed against a fence by a cow. As he grew older both of these incidents contributed to severe kidney disease. He studied at the University of Oregon and Pacific University where he met his first wife. Later, he obtained a Master's in Education from Portland State University. Maury taught at several schools during his teaching career, the last being at Wahkiakum Middle School where he also coached football.

Maury was always busy. Around 1979, Maury and fellow teacher, Ron Sanchez, started doing odd jobs during the summer and later added lawnmowing when Maury's son, Erin, came to stay during the summers. In 1987, Maury and Sharrel purchased the 1920-era farm built by Alex and Jeane (Risk) French to the east of his family farm. When Maury stopped teaching in 1991, mowing became a full-time business. He sold the family farm in 2002 and 2005, Maury remodeled the milk house at the French farm and opened Alger Creek Station, an antique store. Maury closed his mowing business in 2019 and the store in 2021.

Maury was a Cathlamet Community Church charter member (currently The Bridge) and shared with the church family that his finest singing was done while on his tractor. He was known for his civic involvement, particularly with the Wahkiakum County Dike Improvement District No. 4 and his stand against the Army Corp of Engineers closing Steamboat Slough Road. He spent most mornings at the Duck Inn having coffee with old-timers. He enjoyed fishing and hunting along with being an avid football fan. His favorite team was the Oregon Ducks. After a fall at home in June, Maury moved to Highlander Place where he appreciated the care, community, and quality of meals.

A graveside service will be held on October 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Skamokawa Fernhill Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Ken Evans. Maury requested no additional gathering after the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Skamokawa Fire Department, P.O. Box 145, Skamokawa, WA 98647.