Pastor Eldon Moats , age 77, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at his home in Washington, DC. He was born on February 9, 1946, in Moyers, WV; the son of the late Cameron Gilbert and Gladys Gertrude (Strother) Moats. Eldon graduated from Franklin High School, and received a football scholarship to attend Shepherd College.

While at home, Eldon heard the message of salvation from Billy Graham on television and received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

After two years at Shepherd College, Eldon entered the US Navy in 1967. During military service, he was baptized in the Sea of Japan, and continued to grow in his faith with the help of the Overseas Christian Servicemen's Centers, and the Navigators International ministry.

Upon discharge from the Navy, he sought further growth in Bible knowledge and completed a Bachelors degree from Appalachian Bible College. Eldon then moved to the DC area to pursue a Masters of Divinity degree from Capitol Bible Seminary. While studying there, he met and later married Cynthia Brown in 1979. Four children were born to this union. After marriage, Eldon also took a position at the Government Printing Office where he retired after 35 years.

Eldon served as assistant pastor at Washington Christian Center (now Encounter Life Church) for 13 years. Eldon later served as the pastor at Temple Baptist Church (now Restoration Church) for 23 years, the longest tenure at this historic church. Eldon retired from Temple Baptist Church and was soon called to serve as pastor at Moatstown Chapel, where he served until his passing.

Pastor Moats leaves to cherish his memory Cynthia, his loving wife of 43 years, four devoted children Carlton Moats of Prince Georges County, MD, Kendra Deshields (Lamont) of Prince Georges County, MD, Kirkland Moats of Prince Georges County, MD, and Carissa Moats of Montgomery County, MD, two sisters, Geneva Wright of Franklin, WV, Clara Johnson of Staunton, VA, four brothers, Otis Moats (Patty) of Staunton, VA, Clarence Moats of Moyers, WV, Charles Whitney Moats (Faye) of Franklin, WV, Hank Moats of Bridgewater, VA, one grandson, Jace Deshields, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Roscoe and Floyd Moats; and a sister, Ruby Moats.

Eldon's family will receive friends on Friday, February 10, 2023, 12-1 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Cameron G. Moats Cemetery, Moyers, WV, with Military Honors conducted by the US Navy. Memories of words and comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.

His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

Matthew 25:21