Gary Duane Moore Sr.

All who knew Gary Moore Sr. would agree that he was special gift unlike any other. He was kind, generous, and filled with unconditional love for all who were within his reach. A more devoted family man would be hard to find, and he was filled with unspeakable joy to witness his family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. Although we were neutral for a time, we were left with no choice but to engage in the fight for our freedoms after the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It was just prior to that historic day that Merle and Bessie (Lucas) Moore were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Gary Duane on April 22, 1941, in Beallsville, Ohio. The younger of two boys, he was joined in his family by his brother, Fred, who was 11 years his senior. Gary’s father worked as an electrician while his mother kept her time and attention focused on caring for her home and family.

Gary and his family moved to Shadyside, Ohio. In many ways Gary was a typical young boy of his generation. He was a Boy Scout and also liked sports, especially baseball. In fact, Gary once broke a window at church while playing baseball with friends. He ended up going to confess his mistake while his friend ran home. He attended local schools. Gary was on the student council, in the projection club, and played drums in the marching band when he was in high school. As a senior, Gary was secretary of his class and played basketball. Gary also enjoyed drafting. In addition to holding down his studies, he worked at Suter’s Grocery Store.

After graduating from Shadyside High School in 1959, Gary was eager for all that life had in store. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961, serving as an aircraft mechanic who worked on B47E aircraft. Gary served four years at Lincoln Air Force base in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was then honorably discharged.

Not to be forgotten during his years in Lincoln was Gary’s introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Cynthia Carol Richards, and they met because her friend was engaged to Gary’s roommate. Their love grew, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Gary and his sweetheart were married on July 20, 1963, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The newlyweds initially lived in an apartment near the base in Lincoln, but once Gary was discharged from the Air Force they moved back to Wisconsin. Together they welcomed six children including Gary in 1968, Steve in 1969, Jeff in 1971, Dave in 1973, Andrew in 1974 and “his favorite daughter” Cathy in 1976 into their hearts and home. Gary and Cindy lived in a few different places in the Milwaukee area before settling in their home on Cliffside Drive in Caledonia. He was there to support his children in everything they did, and he was there to cheer at every basketball, soccer, and volleyball game that he could get to. Gary drove the high school kids to New Jersey on the school bus in 1988 for the nationals competition. Family trips back to Ohio were memorable as well as trips to Colorado, Texas, and Connecticut. Later in life Gary was thrilled to become a grandfather, and he loved his grandchildren very much. He loved German Shepherds, especially Duke #1 and Duke #2.

To support his family, Gary continued to work as an aircraft mechanic with American Trans Air in Milwaukee. It was in the mid-eighties that Gary developed an affinity for Saab automobiles and working on them. He was willing to share his mechanical abilities with his sons and his favorite son-in-law, David. Gary would always say, “If you can fix a Saab you can fix anything.” He also liked woodworking projects as well as home improvement shows.

Throughout his life Gary’s faith was very important to him. As a family they were in the family of believers at Parkway Apostolic Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, for 43 years. Cindy first came to Parkway and was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost in 1975. Gary followed a little later as he was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost in 1977. Cindy served as church secretary there, and their children graduated from Parkway Christian Academy.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Gary Moore, Sr. touched the lives of those around him in such a special way. He had impeccable character with a quick wit that made him so much fun to be around. Hardworking and loyal, Gary was a great role model for others. It was no secret that he was married to the love of his life for 57 years, and there was no greater joy in his life than his family. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Gary Duane Moore Sr., died on October 23, 2020. Age 79 years. Preceded in death by his parents Merle and Bessie Moore. Beloved husband for 57 years of Cindy (nee Richards). Cherished father of Gary Moore, Steve (Shannon) Moore, Jeff (Melissa) Moore, Dave (Kathie) Moore, Andrew (Erika) Moore and his favorite daughter, Cathy (David) Horvath. Loving grandfather of Brad, Bethany, Breanna, Carlee, Raeley, Kayla, Ellie, Hailey, Kyra, Adela, Noah and Jason. Dear brother of the late Fred (Colleen) Moore. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Visitation Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Parkway Apostolic Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 6:00 PM until time of the Funeral Service