Donald Wendell Moore

A lifelong resident of Oldham County, Kentucky, Wendell was the son of Earl and Laura Moore. He shared 65 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Betty Jean (Burrows) Moore, who preceded him in death in 2019.

He is survived by his sons, Barry (Jennifer) Moore and Timothy (Maria) Moore; grandchildren, Jillian Moore, Shea (Leah) Moore and Ashley Moore; great-grandchildren, Talulah Moore and Odessa Moore; and sisters, Violet Richards, Opal Bland and Sandra Perry. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Tabitha Moore, and brothers, John Thomas “JT” Moore, Leroy Moore and Paul Moore. Affectionately known as “Uncle Wendell,” he was also an uncle to more than 40 nieces and nephews and hundreds of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Wendell graduated from LaGrange High School, attended Arhen’s Trade School, where he trained as a master electrician, and earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from LaSalle Extension University. Following high school, he served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1954.

After his military service, Wendell spent 18 years at General Electric’s Appliance Park in Louisville. He worked as a master electrician and was later promoted to construction engineer. During his final eight years at General Electric, he also served as an Oldham County magistrate. In 1973, he took a leave of absence to run for Oldham County judge.

He took office as Oldham County judge in 1974. When the Kentucky Legislature changed the position to county judge/executive in 1976, he continued serving in that role, completing 20 consecutive years of public service in the two offices. During his tenure, Oldham County experienced substantial growth, from approximately 16,000 residents to more than 40,000. He helped establish the Oldham County Police Department, Road Department and Parks Department, and led efforts to bring a hospital to LaGrange following the closure of Mallory Taylor Hospital.

Wendell enjoyed spending time on his Massey Ferguson 135 tractor. In earlier years, he raised tobacco; later, he helped his son Barry rake hay and plowed his son Tim’s garden.

Wendell was a member of Sligo Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon beginning in 1964.

Following their semi-retirement in 1994, Wendell and Betty enjoyed traveling and vacationing in their RV with friends and family.

Wendell was active in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the LaGrange Rotary Club, where he served as president; the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce; the Community Chest; the Mahan Foundation; the Kentucky Association of Counties; and KIPA, where he served as chairman. A 32nd-degree Mason, he was a member of the LaGrange Masonic Lodge.

Following his retirement as county judge/executive, Wendell worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), assessing damage from hurricanes, tornadoes and floods across the United States. His work included estimating disaster losses and recommending funding to help local governments and organizations rebuild. During this period, he also worked as a paralegal and title examiner for Croley, Moore and Snell, PSC, in LaGrange.

Wendell’s decades of service to Oldham County and to communities recovering from disasters reflected a lifelong commitment to public service. He leaves a lasting legacy through his family and the community he helped shape.

A Memorial gathering for Wendell will be held on Saturday November 21, 2026 from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM followed by a Memorial service beginning at 02:00 PM. Services will be held at Sligo Baptist Church.