David O. Moore, 95, walked a fine journey through life, and went on to greater glory on October 28, 2016.
A preacher and teacher by profession, his was an inquisitive mind. Dad had a deep love for family, a most worthy ability to spin a great story, and a great run of Thanksgiving Day Mystery Soups.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 3:00 pm, at Second Baptist Church, Liberty, MO, with private inurnment in the church’s Memorial Garden.
Born into a southern Arkansas sharecropper/dairy farming family, David was the youngest of 7 children. He was called to preaching at 17, and traveled an impressive weekend church circuit.
David’s older brother, Eugene, encouraged his exploration of ideas and world experiences. While maintaining the church circuit, he pursued a college degree, and graduated from Ouachita Baptist College, Arkadelphia, Ark., in 1946. At Ouachita, David was a scholar, championship debater, and coach of a girl’s basketball team. He made life-long friends whose spirits sustained him for more than seventy years.
David vied heartily for the hand of Loreta McClain, the Belle of Hot Springs Co. They were married in Malvern, Ark. on August 10, 1943, and immediately drove all night to Louisville, Ky., and David’s studies at Southern Seminary. He was awarded his PhD. in Philosophy in 1949.
Dr. Moore came to William Jewell College in 1956, to begin a notable career as professor and academic leader. From classroom, to coaching the NAIA award-winning golf team, to studying the spirituality of American Indian nations, he led students and colleagues on intellectual, spiritual, and life-affirming paths. He is a worthy member of the WJC Teacher Hall of Fame. Dr. Moore retired in 1986, after 30 years of service.
Woodworking, quantum physics, the plays of August Wilson and Shakespeare, boats on British canals, hummingbirds, cheering on his beloved Royals, and his last dog, Kirby, are only samples from life “after Jewell”. He officiated at the weddings of his three children, and three grandchildren.
Remembering and loving his earthly life are his wife of 73 years, Loreta; his children, Shera Farnham (Doug DeMuth), Anthem, AZ; Kathy Dunn (Jim), Liberty, MO; and Cliff Moore (Brenda), Springfield, MO; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his great friend, Bill Riggs. The family acknowledges with deep gratitude the Sisters and staff of Our Lady of Mercy Country Home, Elena and Compassus Hospice, and Dr. Demetrios Maragos and staff.
The family requests no flowers. Memorial gifts can be made to: Second Baptist Church, 300 E. Kansas, Liberty, MO 64068; Heartland Habitat for Humanity, 155 S. 18th Street, Suite 120, Kansas City, KS 66102, or a charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 8, 2016
Charles Small
Kathy & Jim,
Thoughts are with you today as you grieve the loss of your father. Thank you for your friendship and encouragement to me over the years. Would guess his influence on you is reflected in all of us. God Bless.
November 7, 2016
Pat Stanley Booth
Kathy, I was saddened to learn about your dad. He and Daddy were such good friends and worked so hard to make Claycrest a reality. I hope they've got a tee time tomorrow morning, and are enjoying each other's company. Hugs to you all.
November 7, 2016
Tony & Cheryl Gerace
Our condolences are with your family. We know how close you were to him and are thankful for the wonderful years you had to spend with him. Even though you know he lived a long and happy life, it is never an easy loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 7, 2016
Jim Nelson
What an exquisite tribute to a great man which mentions with the remembering family his "great friend, Bill Riggs." I never think of one without thinking of the other. They were together the first time I met them at 2BC in Liberty in the fall of 1961. They must have attended thousand of Jewell sporting events together and logged around-the-world mileage on their morning walks together, first on the streets of Liberty, then at the Mabee Center and finally in the hallways of Our Lady of Mercy. The last time I saw Dr. Moore was at a CBF dinner meeting earlier this year in Bill's honor. Even though I was not worthy, I was privileged to be included in their vast circle of friends. The last of the old school gentlemen, I think we shall not see their like again this side of eternity.
Dr. Moore was also my college golf coach. Our '64 team with Ray Ritchey, Rusty Rinklin, Tom Trotter et al. had a tree planted in his honor in front of the Mabee Center a couple years ago.
November 7, 2016
Charlotte Goodson
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Please extend my heartfelt condolences to your entire family. I remember feeling that you and I had somewhat parallel lives, since I was the daughter of a preacher/teacher. Be strong and remember his love for you.
November 7, 2016
It was my great pleasure to be able to be your Dad and Moms housekeeper and friend for the last few years. They were both so wonderful to me and my Family through the years. Your Dad always knew my Name but insisted on calling me Rhoda. He was truly a kind and loving man of Great Faith and it was my honor to know him. I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Rhonda OLMCH
November 6, 2016
Gayle Hadley
Several years ago, when Dr. Moore was interim pastor for FBC, Windsor, he stayed in our home, which was also the funeral home. We greatly enjoyed his visits and created sweet and lasting memories.
November 4, 2016
Tyler Tankersley
Dr. Moore and his wife were so kind to my wife and I when we moved to Liberty. He gave me boxes of his books and I still use many of those on a weekly basis. I loved his snarky sense of humor, his ability to gently correct, and his deep commitment to kindness.
November 3, 2016
Gary Dacus
He could ''dress you down'' without stealing dignity. I always felt better, somehow, after being in his presence. RIP, Brother Moore. You have earned your reward. You will be missed until we meet again.
November 3, 2016
June (King) Hewitt
Dr. Moore was a beloved professor. My family has many great memories and the highest regards for David O." (as my dad would call him). Dr. Moore was our interm pastor at FBC in Excelsior Springs. Dr. Moore was also the adjunct professor while I was at Harlaxton in 1977. He was truly a man I admired and respected.
October 30, 2016
Steve Krause
He was "Dr. Moore" to us. He earned our respect and kept it his whole life. He was simultaneously feared and loved -- exactly as a great teacher should be. Dr. Moore taught the Bible very clearly and courageously and faced the small-minded opposition this sometimes provoked in the same way. He changed how I understand our scriptures and over the years invited me to be a friend. I'm sorry he is gone and I miss him.
October 29, 2016
Richard Truex
I am sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. I will remember him and miss him. I look forward to the day when we shall all return home. Peace, Love and Truth.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more