Michael Eugene Moler

Michael Eugene Moler, 54, of Robinson, IL, died May 11, 2021. Though he was born in Marietta, Ohio on February 16, 1967, he was a West Virginia boy, through and through. He grew up in St. Marys, West Virginia, where he excelled playing football and basketball before graduating from St. Marys High School in 1985. Mike went on to join the U.S. Marine Corps in 1986, proudly serving his country as a communications specialist in the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion during Operation Desert Storm. We are humbled by the generosity of spirit that enabled this beloved combat veteran to take up the call of freedom for his fellow man. Upon his honorable discharge in 1991, he made his way back home to his wife, Caryn. This union brought his precious daughters, Jessica and Sydney, into the world, and he would spend the rest of his life bringing them up into the women he knew they could be. He began his 30-year career in the water industry with American Water in Seymour, IN, before working his way up to the head of business development with Veolia North America. When asked what Mike did for a living, his kids would often reply, "he makes water," a response sure to make the man laugh. In fact, Mike will be remembered as a man who lived with a great sense of joy and was known to be more than a little silly at times! On March 18, 2011, he married the love of his life, Christina Carter-Taylor, on the sandy beaches of Hawaii, and in doing so, her children, Jackson and Grace, were lovingly brought into his family as well. Soon, his youngest, Michael, was born, and with the addition of his first grandson, Brayden, it could be said that his family was made complete. They will remember the former Marine as a disciplinarian, yes, but one whose motivation was good and pure. He wanted what was best for them and expected out of his family the same excellence he put on display, day-in and day-out. It was evident that everything he did was done with enthusiasm and a purpose: be that working in the yard or making some of the spiciest, most delicious food you would ever have the opportunity to eat! Even waking up was done with intention, as he would take the time to iron his clothes before starting his day. Mike was nothing if not passionate. An avid outdoorsman, few things brought more life to his living than fishing and especially hunting. In fact, he hadn't missed deer season since he was young and loved being able to share this treasured pastime with his kids. (They couldn't get over just how good of a shot he was!) Though he loved his family, he wouldn't spare them from his hyper-competitive nature. Games such as Yahtzee, Jenga, Dominoes, and even Connect-4 were played with the same intensity that got the man ejected from softball games years ago! Though he loved to win, it was only by placing his life in his victorious Savior's hands that Mike found real, everlasting victory. We find peace in our memories of a man who lived a good and full life, and we find assurance that, by the grace of God, his 54 years were merely the beginning. Until we meet again, Semper Fi. Left behind to mourn his passing are his beloved wife of ten years, Christina Moler; his children, Jessica & husband Michael Perry, Sydney Moler, Jackson Taylor & fiancée Carissa Remlinger, Grace Taylor, and Michael Moler; his grandson, Brayden Moler; his parents, Betty & Arthur Riggs; his birth father, Clyde Moler; his brothers, Phil & Anna Riggs, Henry & Jodie Riggs, and Earl & Liz Riggs; his in-laws, Lea & Stan Reno, Frank & Tina Goldin, and Jack & Sande Wilkie; his faithful companions, his dogs - Cash & Louie; as well as the band of brothers he served alongside as a member of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children (USMC). A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15th at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, with his uncle, Pastor Richard Dike officiating. A live stream of Mike's service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery, where military rites will be rendered. Memorials may be made to Operation Barnabas, Inc., a combat veteran-founded non-profit foundation committed to assisting fellow veterans, first responders, and their families. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.