A Moon is born!

William Travis Moon, Bill to his friends and Dad to me, was born at home on January 29, 1924. While his mother was in labor, the Moon family had gathered in the parlor to discuss appropriate names for the newcomer - but Willie Ruth Foster Moon, my grandmother, had other ideas. When Dad arrived, she decided to name him William after her father, but wasn't sure what his middle name should be.

"Well," said her doctor, "You've already given him half my name, why not give him the other name too?" Ruth asked him what his middle name was. "Travis," he replied. "Write it down." So while the family debated on names, Dad's birth certificate was completed, naming him as William Travis Moon.

Dad was the third of four children: James Edward (Jim) and Louise were older. They were joined by sister Mildred eight years after Dad's birth.