Henry “Hank” William Moos

Hank was born May 24th, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio to Henry and Maria (Leinweber) Moos. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1943 and then entered the Army Air Corps and was assigned to Aviation Cadet School. In May 1945, Hank was transferred to England for WWII. He participated in the European Theater of Operations flying 20 combat missions as a navigator of a B-17.

When the war was over, he joined the reserves, returned home and completed two years of college at Ohio State University. He would eventually take and pass the college GED. He then worked for the Cleveland News as an advertising salesman. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Jeannette, on a blind date. They were married in her hometown of Woodlynne, New Jersey on June 10th, 1950.

In April 1952 he was recalled to service for the Korean War, flying 50 combat missions as a navigator - bombardier of a B-26. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross. By this time, they started their family. After the war was over he decided to stay in the Air Force. With each new assignment, the family relocated every three to four years. Service life was exciting and they met many interesting people. Tours of duty included Washington, D.C. (Pentagon) and Paris, France (NATO). His last tour was in California at Beale Air Force Base where he was Squadron Commander of the 63rd Munitions Maintenance Squadron. He then retired as a Lt. Colonel and moved with his family to New Jersey, where he started a new career in Hospital Housekeeping Management.

After their children were married and the grandchildren started to arrive, Hank and Jeannette retired to a motor home for three years. They enjoyed spending time taking their grandchildren on trips to Disneyworld. They spent each winter in the Florida Keyes and bought two timeshare units at the Hawk’s Nest in Marathon. Every November all the family congregated and had a great time together!

Hank was a very kind, caring, generous and loving person. He also had a tremendous sense of humor. His favorite things to do were being with family and traveling. In a church article about the family, both Henry and Jeannette said, “The Lord has surely given us an interesting life with interesting people, but the most interesting part of all has come from our children and grandchildren. They have been and continue to be our greatest blessing.”

Hank passed away after a sudden illness with family at his bedside. Survivors include his wife, Jeannette; his son, Barry Moos of San Diego and daughter, Mary West of Naples; 5 grandchildren Jason, Ashley, Leslie, David and Chris; and 3 great grandchildren, Christian, Rileigh and Gauge; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, William Moos; and granddaughter, Amanda Moos.

A celebration of life sunset service will be held in the Florida Keyes, Monday, November 3rd. All family members are welcome.