Jerry Lee Moore

He was born on June 11, 1939, in Kansas City, the second of four children to James Franklin Moore, Sr. and Gladys Ernestine (Long) Moore. He attended Excelsior Springs High School, graduating with the Class of 1958.

Following high school, Jerry proudly served his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps like his Dad. Over the course of nearly 23 years, he was stationed around the world, including Twentynine Palms, CA; Camp Lejeune, NC; Yokosuka, Japan; Camp Pendleton, CA; Okinawa, Japan; San Diego, CA; Kāneʻohe Bay, HI; and Quantico, VA, where he retired in 1980 with honor and distinction.

On November 9, 1964, Jerry married the love of his life, Gloria Sue “Snooks” Adams. Together, they built a life filled with family, service, and adventure. They welcomed two daughters, Melissa “Missy” and Melinda “Mindy,” and enjoyed raising them through many cross-country and overseas moves with the Marine Corps and after.

After his military career retirement, Jerry and Snooks eventually returned to Missouri and later worked together at William Jewell College before retiring again. Never one to sit still for long, Jerry went on to a third retirement from the City of Liberty, where he spent his days doing what he loved most — mowing. Once fully retired, Jerry and Snooks took to the road, traveling the United States in their camper with their beloved dogs.

Jerry cherished family above all else. His happiest times were spent cheering on his grandchildren in their activities, traveling, and making memories. His final trip in 2023, planned by his grandsons Joe and Cody, was an epic 3,400-mile RV journey to the Grand Canyon’s Glass Skywalk with his daughters and four of his grandchildren — seven people, seven states, and seven days filled with a few National Parks, beautiful scenery, lots of laughter and adventure.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Snooks; his parents, James and Gladys Moore; and his brother, Jack Moore. He is survived by his brother, James (Barbara) Moore; his sister, Jean Pike; his daughters, Missy (Steve) Fisher and Mindy (Chuck) Gillihan; grandchildren, Joe Fisher, Cody Fisher, Amanda Gillihan, Austin Gillihan, Dylan Gillihan, Shaylee Gillihan, and Connor Gillihan; and great-grandchildren, Kane Long and Hunter Gillihan.

Graveside services with military honors will be held September 19, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to meet at the cemetery just prior to 1:30pm OR at White Chapel Funeral Home (6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, Missouri 64119) by 12:15 p.m., to be in the escorted procession leaving the funeral home at 12:30 p.m.

For those unable to attend the service, a Celebration of Life will be held afterward (3pm – 6pm) at the home of Missy and Steve Fisher in Smithville. All are welcome to join the family in remembering Jerry — refreshments will be provided.

Jerry’s life was one of service, love, laughter, and devotion to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, dedication, and countless cherished memories.

Flowers, cards, and memorial contributions to "The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research" or "Alzheimer's Association" (alz.org) are all welcome, as both organizations are near and dear to us.