(August 22, 1930 – February 7, 2015)
Ellsworth Richard Moss, age 84, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2015, at the Veterans Facility in Ivins, Utah, with his loving, eternal companion at his side.
Richard was born August 22, 1930, to Ruby Richards and Ellsworth Frances Moss in Buffalo, New York. He always loved music and art.
At the age of 12 he entered a contest and won first prize and a scholarship to Albright Knox Art School in New York. At 14 he joined a musicians union so he could play music with his father. He played all percussion instruments but loved the drums. He played piano and organ. At 15 he joined the Civil Air Patrol and played the snare drum in the marching band. He tried to join the navy but they found out how old he was and he was sent home.
At 16 he joined the Naval Reserve. In 1951, when the Korean War broke out, he joined the Air Force and in 1952 he went to war. He served in a MASH unit when the hospital was overrun and he was taken a POW. After the war, he was stationed in Puerto Rico and he flew in a B-36 and was known as a triple threat – pilot, radioman and tail gunner. He travelled all over the world. He was a true hero and patron and his family and friends loved to hear the stories of his military service.
After he was discharged from the service, he went back to school at night while repairing televisions and radios during the day. He eventually earned a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
He married Phyllis Goulette and together they had two sons. They later divorced and Richard and his boys moved to California where he met and married his eternal companion, Joan Carol Jacobson. They were married May 28, 1977, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oakland, California Temple on their anniversary in 1982.
Richard had many jobs over the years in the semi-conductor industry and eventually became an owner of Pacific Amplifier Corporation. He sold his business in the late 1990’s and retired to St. George, Utah.
Richard loved his family and the gospel. He loved to play music and even entertained the residents at the VA with his musical abilities.
Richard is survived by his wife Joan; his children: David (Chandra), Daniel (Julie), Steven (Melissa), Shannon (Greg); 23 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also, sister Marjorie (Jack), sister in law Arla Waymire and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harvey Moss and his daughter Michelle Laumatia.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. at the Bloomington LDS Stake Center, 200 West Brigham Road, St. George, Utah.
- A visitation will be held Saturday, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services at the Stake Center.
- Interment with military honors will be held at Tonaquint Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. For condolences, full obituary, and funeral listings please visit the Metcalf Mortuary website.
The family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to all those who served and cared for Richard with such loving kindness over the last few years. Special thanks to Dr. Stratford, Dr. Rutledge, The Wound Clinic, Southern Utah Veterans Home and their staff and the staff at Journey of Hope Hospice. A special thank you to the wonderful people in Bloomington First Ward.