Robert “Bob” James Moyle

Robert “Bob” James Moyle, 96, of Porterville, passed away on December 12, 2020, in Porterville, California.

He is preceded in death by his parents Noah and Anna Moyle, and his sister Elizabeth “Bette” Moyle.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years Agnes Moyle, daughter Tina Merritt (Ericf, son Mike Moyle (Susanf, and two foster children who became part of the family in 1962 (Lendell and Janice Giddensf as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob was born March 22, 1924, in Salem Township near Hillsboro Iowa. As a young boy growing up in Iowa and Wyoming he found his passion for writing and journalism at the age of 14 when he began distributing his own “newspaper” after starting as a printer’s devil (age 12F for a local newspaper. Bob went on to graduate from high school in Cheyenne, Wyo., and enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a firefighter during WWII.

While in Oregon he met Agnes Vasak and they were married on January 24, 1945. Using the GI Bill, he enrolled at the University of Oregon and graduated in 1949 with a degree in Journalism. With a love of athletics and reporting and storytelling in his veins, Bob began as sports editor with the Mcminnville, Oregon paper and then served as managing editor for The Dalles, Oregon paper.

Eager to settle in California with a wife and young family, Bob joined The Porterville Recorder in 1955 and served 31 years as sports editor, city editor, and managing editor. As a journalist, Bob’s pride and diligence in his profession was apparent, one of the headlines from his retirement read “Adversaries often, friend sometimes: Politicians remember their battles with Moyle.” He was passionate about the story, believed in reporting and verifying sources, a stickler for grammar and punctuation, and strived to produce error-free publications. Bob took a heavy interest in Porterville due to his involvement in the city council meetings, school board meetings, and various sporting events. Covering Porterville never left him; he was always interested in the people and events taking place in his city. As a friend and family man, he charmed his listeners with a laugh, a quick wit, and a twinkle in his eye often sharing amazing stories from his life.

In his personal life, Bob was an active supporter of his wife and kids. Spending time involved with his sons and their athletic endeavors and his daughters with their horseback riding interests and Canterbelle years. Always interested in the story, Bob, rarely missed the opportunity to watch and chat about the latest event. He and Agnes were always there, cheering for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout the years. Supporting all activities, sharing experiences, and providing laughs.

In retirement, Bob and Agnes traveled extensively around the world making friends and returning home with adventures to share. They spent time RV “ing” across the US, often with friends and grandkids. Bob and Agnes were always known for their active lifestyle, and in later years, divided their time between the coast, the desert, and their home base in Porterville. No matter where they were they always enjoyed friends and family, golfing, and dancing the night away whenever possible