Richard L. Moore

Dick was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 1925. He passed away on July 6, 2011. He was 86. His parents were Carl and Opal Moore. He was the oldest of three children: Sister – Carol Joy (passed away in August, 2004) Brother – Russell (passed away at 1 ½ years old) He attended Hyde Park High School in Chicago, Illinois. He spent many summers with family in Bullsgap, Tennessee. He lied about his age shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor so he could join the service. He graduated from high school early to enter Army Basic Training and serve in World War II. He emerged from Officer's Training School to become a B-29 bombardier in the Army Air Corps, flying missions over Japan. While serving on the South Pacific island of Tinian, he was wounded, losing his eye. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1945 as a First Lieutenant. After the war, he attended the University of Illinois, earning a Baccalaureate degree in Education, and then a Masters degree in Industrial Arts. Along the way, he met, fell for, and courted Mary Louise Walker. Dick and Mary Lou were married on January 24, 1948. Dick and Mary Lou settled down eventually in Hazel Crest, IL, and had two children, Mary Lynn & Richard Jr. Rick). He worked various jobs to support his young family, including cutting glass and stocking merchandise at Montgomery Ward; Working at a horse racetrack in Homewood, Illinois; Teaching Industrial Arts (Shop Teacher) in North Carolina and Illinois; Working for the Illinois Central Railroad, specializing in water treatment. Dick and Mary Lou were married for seventeen years, where Mary Lou taught high school mathematics, and Dick became a water treatment specialist for Dearborn Chemical Company, maintaining cooling towers, water softeners, and boilers for industrial facilities. He maintained his affiliation with Dearborn Chemical for 25 years, retiring in 1990. In 1965, Dick and Mary Lou were divorced. A year later, Dick transferred to Omaha, Nebraska. In 1968, Dick joined the Masons in Omaha, Nebraska, ascending to 32nd Degree Mason, and ultimately became a Shriner. Dick met Sue Gallagher (Tate) at a 4th of July party, in 1968. It was Love at First Sight for Dick, and Sue was smitten, too. Sue had four children of her own from a previous marriage: Linda, Mike, John, and Carolyn. On August 23, 1969, Dick & Sue tied the knot @ Dundee Presbyterian in Omaha; all 6 kids were in the wedding party. When asked what he was going to do after acquiring four children to merge with his own, Dick replied, ""Love Them!"" They moved to Northglenn, Colorado shortly after the wedding, and became active members of Northglenn United Methodist Church. Except for a two-year hiatus in Omaha, they called Colorado their home for life. On August 12, 2009, after Sue fought a fierce three-year battle against cancer, Dick lost his beloved wife. Dick enjoyed yearly forays to a cabin in Eldora, CO, where the family would gather. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, cookouts, and the travels that his job required. Dick saw his children and grandchildren marry, have children, and lead productive, successful lives. He was loved by many, and his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends would visit often, where he would regale with stories of his experiences growing up and time spent in the service. Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Moore; one sister, Carol Van Dam; and one brother, Russell Moore. Father of Lynn Orson, Rick Moore, Linda Nelson, Mike (Beth) Gallagher, John Gallagher and Carolyn (Dave) Thorp. Grandfather of 11. Great Grandfather of 6. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 11, 2011 from 2-8pm, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton. Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10am, Northglenn United Methodist Church, 1605 West 106th Avenue, Northglenn. Interment to follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Richard's name to: American Cancer Society 2255 South Oneida Street Denver, Colorado 80224 Please share your memories of Richard L. ""Dick"" Moore and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.