John R. Moore, 83, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Martinton, Illinois on Monday, January 26th, 2026. John was born on April 5th, 1942 to Harold C. and Emily M. (Reneau) Moore in Kankakee, Illinois and grew up in Ashkum, Illinois. John was a devoted Catholic, serving as an altar boy and lector. He was a graduating member of the class of 1960, Clifton Central high school. He enrolled and graduated from barber school in Decatur, Illinois.

 

John married Judith A. Wolf of Martinton, April 27th, 1963 and celebrated 62 years with her in 2025. He owned and operated John's Barber Shop in Martinton while substituting for the Martinton rural mail carrier. He acquired the full-time carrier position soon after and was still carrying that same route at the time of his death. He was approaching 63 years of full-time service. He served his customers with pride and dedication. His most proud moments were with his family. John was kind and generous, devoting his life to Judy, his children and his work. He loved to tell stories, send personal thank you notes and corresponded with many friends by handwritten letters. He raised livestock and grew the best tomatoes around, often giving them away to people on his mail route. John was a hard worker and provider until the very end.

 

Surviving is his wife, Judy; son, Kevin J. Moore (Jenlyn); daughter, Karla K. Moore (Sandy); and grandson, Kyle John Moore.

 

Visitation for John will be held from 3pm - 6pm, Sunday, February 1st at Knapp Funeral Home, Watseka, Illinois. Mass at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Watseka will be on Monday, February 2nd at 11:00am with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Martinton, Illinois.

 

Memorials may be made to St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, Watseka, Illinois, Martinton EMS, or Papineau EMS.

 

Please share a memory of John at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.