Rev. Bob D. Mooney

Bobby Dean Mooney was born on May 2, 1940 in Midridge, Missouri, the oldest of three children born to Leland and Louise Mooney. He passed away at the age of 79 on April 11, 2020 in Visalia, California after a lifetime spent in ministry. When Bob was just 16 years old, his father founded and pastored an independent Full Gospel Church in St Louis where Bob began his ministry service as a substitute worship leader and played the piano and organ. After graduating from high school in 1958, Bob went to work for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft. While Bob had unknowingly met his future wife in a high school business class, it wasn't until five years later when she and her family began attending his family's church, that love began to blossom. Two years later, Bob married the love of his life, Joan Wilkerson. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this May. When Bob and Joan returned from their honeymoon, draft papers had arrived, and just ten weeks after their marriage, he reported for duty with the US Army. Eight months later, Joan joined him where he was stationed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, serving as an Army Chaplain's Assistant. After two years of military service, Bob received a good conduct medal and was honorably discharged from the US Army. They returned to St Louis and resumed work with their employers there, and they purchased a home. They continued to volunteer in his father's church with Bob serving in music ministry, leading worship, playing piano and organ, and directing the choir. Joan served as a Sunday School teacher. In 1978, Bob graduated from Missouri Baptist College with a BA in elementary education; he taught elementary school in St Louis for two years. In the summer of 1979, in the middle of Hurricane Bob, they moved to Houma, Louisiana where Bob served as the principal of a private Christian school at Terrebonne Full Gospel Church. Bob enjoyed cooking, and while in Louisiana, he learned how to cook Cajun style. In 1981, they were asked to help with a church in Belleville, Illinois that was in a very difficult season. He served in church music and administration during their short time there before moving to Skiatook, Oklahoma and serving with the Christian Missionary Association. They initially worked in office administration, and eventually traveled in foreign ministry to India, the Amazon River regions, China, and Japan. In the spring of 1983, Bob and Joan returned again to the St Louis area where Bob served as the Associate Pastor at Christian Fellowship Center in Bridgeton, Missouri, and Joan served in church administration. When the elder Pastor Mooney retired in 1989, Bob was installed as the senior pastor. Over a 20-year period of time during his tenure as a pastor, his missions travels included a trip to Holland, South Korea, Philippines, Malawi, a return trip to India, two return visits to Japan, and five trips to Zimbabwe. In July 2002, after becoming affiliated with Greater Emmanuel International Fellowship, based in Columbus, Ohio, Bob was conferred the title of Bishop with the organization. In the spring of 2004, after 21 years of service at Christian Fellowship Center, Bob retired from his position as senior pastor and he and Joan moved to Visalia, California to be with family in the area. But retirement didn't look that much different as they immediately joined their family members and became part of Praise Center Church in Visalia where Bob played the organ and joined the choir, and he filled the pulpit when scheduled to do so. He went on to help establish the Visalia Campus for Summit Bible College, earning a Master of Theology degree in 2007, and receiving a Doctor of Divinity degree in 2013. He continued to lead the school for nearly ten years. During his "retirement" Bob dedicated many babies, performed weddings and funerals, and made many visits to hospitals and parishioner's homes. Joan worked as the church bookkeeper for 13 years. He and Joan led the seniors group and served on the church prayer team. He continued his worldwide missions travel with four trips to Ghana, a return trip to Zimbabwe, and a first-time trip to Mexico. In September 2019, Praise Center Church paid tribute to Bob and Joan for their lifetime of ministry to the Body of Christ. The congregation deeply loved Bishop Bob, sometimes referred to as Uncle Bob, and of course, they continue to adore Joan, also known as Aunt Joan to so many. On February 1, 2020, he was visited by Bishop Shouse, and in recognition of distinguished service to the Greater Emmanuel congregations in America and Africa, he was conferred the status of Bishop Emeritus of Foreign Missions. He was lovingly spoken of as "truly a prince in the Lord's Church." One week after that visit, Bob entered the hospital and eventually a skilled nursing facility where he remained until his passing. For the past five years, Bob has struggled with many serious health challenges, and in recent months, he shared with Joan that he believed it was time for the Lord to take him home. Joan lovingly and patiently cared for him until it was necessary for him to recently enter the hospital. In addition to his adoring wife of nearly 57 years, Bob is also survived by his sister, Darlene (Bob) Belyew of Maryland Heights, Missouri; his brother, Dennis (Faye) Mooney of Alton, Illinois; Joan's brother, Richard (Ramona) Wilkerson of Exeter, California; four nieces and four nephews, and their families. Bob has always had an interest in and a love for different cultures and their various people groups. Bob and Joan served the Lord joyfully together. They loved people, and they loved them well. Bob's life is truly summed up by the passage of scripture in 2 Timothy 4:7, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Due to the Stay-Home order currently in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting limitations in place for gathering, there will be no public funeral or memorial service held. Private arrangements will be made for the immediate family only. Bob will be laid to rest at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California when the federal government resumes those operations. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to a missions organization of the donor's choice.

Rev. Bob D. Mooney

May 2, 1940 - April 11, 2020