Harold Emerson Moore Jr.

Harold Emerson Moore, Jr., 80, passed away at his home on March 29, 2017, in Pueblo West, Colorado, surrounded by family. Harold was born in Bloomington, Indiana, to Dr. Harold E. Moore, a Professor of Education at Indiana University, and Mary Maude (Parish) Moore on December 12, 1936, at 12 minutes after 12.

He moved with his family to Denver, Colorado, in 1952 and graduated from South High School on June 9th, 1954. In high school, Harold was a member of the marching band, played basketball for one year and managed the team for two years. He was manager of the basketball team when they won the state championship his junior year

Harold attended the University of Denver and graduated in 1958. He was active in ROTC and received his Commission in Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps that same year. While a student at the University of Denver, Harold was President of Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Fraternity and was chosen as a finalist in "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities." He was also a member of Beta Theta Pi and was elected President of the Inter Fraternity Council. He remained at the University of Denver to attended law school from 1958 to 1961 and was involved in student government and a law fraternity. As a law student, Harold worked part time at Rothgerber, Appel & Powers, a Denver law firm. He was employed there full time after serving two years as a JAG officer in the Army and eventually became partner.

Harold married Sue Gibson of Denver in 1959, and they had four sons: Michael Scott Moore (Gina), Jeffrey Thomas Moore (Julie), Stephen Gibson Moore (Ann) and Lawrence David Moore (Courtney). While in Colorado, Harold belonged to Optimists International and served as Governor of the Colorado-Wyoming District from 1970 to 1971.

In 1974, Harold's father passed away and he left the law firm. He struggled with many personal problems, including addiction to alcohol. Realizing he needed to put drinking behind him, Harold joined AA in 1977 and was able to rebuild his life with the love and support of friends and family. Harold took his recovery efforts seriously and worked as a counselor at a youth treatment center until 1980.

In 1976, Harold met Mary Ann (Rawlins) Gronberg on a blind date and they were married that year. Harold moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has four stepchildren: Carolyn Elizabeth (Gronberg) James, Dale Walter Gronberg (Jodi), William Charles Gronberg (Jessica) and Eric Thomas Gronberg. While in Minnesota, Harold turned his love of teaching and working with young people into a career. He was hired as Director of Counseling Services at Golden Valley Lutheran College in 1980 and became Dean of Students.

In 1986, Harold and Mary Ann relocated to Mesa, Arizona. Harold taught business law and criminal justice at various community colleges and was appointed Dean of Paralegal Studies at the American Institute in Phoenix in 1987. In 1988, Harold received a full-time appointment to the Criminal Justice Department at Arizona State University and spent 20 years in his teaching role.

In addition to Harold's many interests and accomplishments, Harold was an Eagle Scout and an active member of the various churches he has attended. He was last a member of Oasis Christian Church in Pueblo West, Colorado, as well as Red Mountain United Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona.

Harold also loved his dogs, beginning with Two-Bits, his childhood dog. As an adult, Harold's canine companions included Freckles, Peanut, Babe, Buster, Blondie, Champ, Sadie, Wanda, and Buddy and Squirt.

Harold is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Maude (Parish) Moore, his father, Harold Emerson Moore, and his brother, C. Thomas Moore (Ann). He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Mary Ann (Rawlins) Moore, his cherished sister Shirley J. (Moore) Morrow, his eight children, 16 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many other friends and family members who were blessed to have known him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017, at T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tanya’s Tree Service, to plant a tree in Harold’s memory, or to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, through the funeral home office.