Darrell Moore's Obituary
Darrell Lee Moore, son of Thurman and Ann Moore, was born May 22, 1953, in Mountain Grove, Missouri. He departed this life Saturday, March 26, 2011, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of fifty-seven.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Janice, of the home; two sons, Rich Williams and his wife Beth of Strafford, Doug Williams and his wife, Chrystal of Willard; two daughters, Brenda Parks and her husband Rich of Salem, and Amanda Rhodes and her husband Brian of Cape Girardeau; his grandchildren, Tanner, Richard, Katrina, Noah, Natasia, Ryan, Viktorya, Matthew, and Whitney; his parents, Thurman and Ann Moore of Lebanon; two sisters, Nancy Sawvell and her husband Lee of Phillipsburg, and Carol Benson and her husband Gary of Lebanon; along with a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Darrell was born in Mountain Grove, Missouri, while Thurman was in Korea. Father and son met for the first time in September the following year, when Darrell was 16 months old. The family bought a farm near Hartville, Missouri, in 1954, where Darrell was raised along with his sisters and cousins.
Darrell was always a big help on the farm, from helping with the dairy to bringing in the cattle with his pony, Minnie. He loved to work and raised his own cattle to help out with his school expenses. Darrell began his education in 1959 in Hartville, where he graduated in 1971. Education was always important to Darrell, and he excelled at school, both in academics and in music. Darrell attended one year of college at School of the Ozarks before returning to the family farm to take over the milking. In the early 80's, Darrell went to work at a veterinary office in Hartville. He always loved working with the animals, from cows to kittens! He could be strong enough to deal with a bull calf, and gentle enough to take care of premature puppies.
Darrell was artistic - drawing, carving, painting - on canvas or tiny pictures on fingernails. He was musical, an avid reader, and a creative writer. Darrell was very special to those around him. He always cared for those who were suffering in any way, and provided good advice for anyone seeking it. He didn?t let the trials of life keep him down; he always kept moving forward.
Darrell and Janice married in the fall of 1985. With this, Darrell was given an instant family of two sons and a daughter. All of a sudden, ALL of the lights in the house were on! Darrell was very involved in the lives of all four children, the fourth being Amanda, who was born in October 1986. Unlike most people, who start with bottles and burp rags and later teach their children sports and games, Darrell went from playing basketball with the older children to taking turns changing diapers and convincing the baby to FINALLY go to sleep. He painted nails, went fishing, braided hair, rocked out to Rock 'n Roll (or Rock-a-bye, Baby), and wrangled calves. Janice and the kids were always the center of Darrell's life.
Darrell left the veterinary office to go into the remodeling business with Janice, and eventually went to work for the State of Missouri full-time. When Darrell became the County Manager for the Family Support Division in 2001 he, along with Janice and Amanda, moved to Lebanon, Missouri.
Darrell and Janice enjoyed spending time together. They took walks, went on drives in their truck (and later, rides on their motorcycle!), hunted for morel mushrooms, raised calves, remodeled houses, and exercised together. Any time they could spend together, no matter what they were doing, was treasured. Darrell and Janice were a great creative team. Darrell would write; Janice would edit. Janice would envision designs for remodeling a room; Darrell would make her ideas a reality. Darrell was diligent, a hard worker, and a good provider.
He always knew how to treat people, regardless of how they might treat others. Darrell had a great sense of humor and liked having fun ? like the time he had a birthday party for Janice and everyone wore one of his ball caps as a party hat, or the time he painted his face green and dressed up as a Romulan for Halloween.
Darrell and Janice celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in October 2010, at a surprise party given by their four children. Darrell and Janice were spouses, partners, and friends.
Some of us knew him as a family member, as a coworker, as a friend, or as a colleague. But no matter HOW we knew him, Darrell will be remembered by EVERYONE.
What’s your fondest memory of Darrell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Darrell?
Share a story where Darrell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Darrell you’ll never forget.
How did Darrell make you smile?