David O Moore

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.