‘Dan’ Moats

DIXON – Clinton Daniel Moats, 71, of Dixon, died Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford.

Dan was born July 30, 1939, in Dixon, the son of Nadine (Padgett) and Chester Moats. He married Marilyn Price on July 8, 1972, in Dixon. He graduated from Dixon High School in 1957 and received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., in 1961.

Dan began his teaching career at Lincoln Elementary School in the fall of 1961. Five years later, he started teaching in the business department of Dixon High School. He spent several years instructing the Office Occupations and Distributive Education work program at the high school. In 1980, he left teaching to work full time at his own business, M & D Graphics, a printing and sign-making business.

Dan had extensive interests throughout his life. He became interested in photography while in elementary school and was known for his photographs. He traveled to several countries, such as Africa, Hong Kong, Mexico, Spain, Guatemala, and not only took photographs for personal use but was also hired by National Geographic to do several photographic collections for educational materials. Dan also took wedding, anniversary, birthday, and reunion photos.

Dan was a member of Dixon Church of the Brethren; Lee County Republicans; the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 354 in Sterling; a life member of Friendship Lodge 7 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois; Nachusa Chapter 56 of the Royal Arch Masons of Illinois; the Dixon Council 7 Royal and Select Masters, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar 21; Sword of Bunker Hill; and a 47-year perfect attendance member of Dixon Evening Lions Club. He also served as recorder of the Dixon Commandery.

The Lions organization was very important in Dan’s life. He held several offices in his local club and served as a 100% President. He was a charter member of the club in 1964. He chaired three club anniversaries.

He served as a Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor and a 100% District Governor in 1973-1974. At the district level, he served as a committee chairman on several committees. He was the Train the Trainer Chairman for six years, and was the State Leadership chairman for four years. His awards were numerous. He was a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, a Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow, and a recipient of an Extension Award. He received three Governors’ Appreciation Awards, a Lions International Leadership Award, and was awarded the International President’s Award. He recently received the Lifetime Service Award from the Lions of Illinois Foundation.

Dan served on the Dixon Park Board for several years. His park district career ended when he got married in 1972 and moved to a home outside the city limits.

He was the chairman of the Ronald Reagan Hometown Coordinating Board, planning the first visit by then-Governor Reagan when he came to Dixon campaigning for President the first time. He went on to chair other visits and hosted his friend, Maureen Reagan, when she visited Dixon. Dan assisted with the founding of the Alzheimer’s Association in Dixon and played a part in its connection with Ronald Reagan. He, along with Linda Brantley, co-chaired the first Alzheimer’s Memory Walk in 1995.

In 2007, the high school class of 1957 celebrated 50 years. Dan and his wife both worked on the reunion committee and printed the reunion booklets for the event. They continued to participate in regular get-togethers of the reunion committee members.

People who knew Dan knew that if there was a job to be done, Dan would get it accomplished. He worked tirelessly on printing jobs for their business and to help all the groups he cared about. He was most generous with his time and talents.

Dan is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marilyn, his brother, Larry (Carol) Moats, nephew Aaron Moats, and aunts, Lucille (Moats) Peacock and Emma Padgett, all of Dixon; his sister-in-law, Annette (Gary) Stolzenburg; nephews, Matthew and Nathaniel Stolzenburg, and niece, Hannah Stolzenburg, all of Wisconsin; and several cousins and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Dixon Church of the Brethren, with Stan Rodabaugh, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., with family present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and a Lions memorial service at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon.

Memorials may be made to Lions of Illinois Foundation, 2814 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.