This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Richard Allen Moore
Our Dad, Richard Moore passed away on January 26, 2014. We remember him in our hearts and minds and miss him dearly.
Born August 7th, 1930 to Loren and Katherine Comley. His brothers are John Comley, C. Donald and James J. Moore. He was a life long resident of the Kansas City area. He completed Blenheim school in 1943, attended Paseo high school and graduated Southeast high school in 1947.
He loved the founding values of this country. He joined the United States Army 45th Infantry Division and experienced combat in Korea in 1951-54. He continued in the reserves until 1965 in the 82nd Airborne. He was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant as Lieutenant in the Army Infantry in 1954 for meritorious service. He also received the military's Bronze Star.
He was proud of his service, usually wearing a hat embroidered with the words "Under God," and his Airborne wings displayed prominently. After the service he married our Mom, Lori in 1962. They traveled extensively throughout the world. Because he was quick to reach out to others with genuine curiosity and always a few well placed jokes and stories, he was easily liked. He made lasting friends from all over by simply striking up a conversation. Instead of seeing a total stranger, he always saw a potential friend.
His love for his two sons was ever-present, joyful, forgiving, without limit and often undeserving. We were fortunate to have a Dad who tried to navigate the tough area between father and trusted friend. He offered reassurance and unbridled optimism. He gave us his time in abundance. In our one life and his we experienced the love of a father and he, the love of his sons.
His perception was often insightful and creative. He successfully started several businesses including a data processing business, Ramstat and Ramco, a business form business, both in Kansas City. Jayhawk International sold aviator supplies. He later worked in commercial real estate.
He loved piloting his open cockpit Ryan Pt22. He found and purchased a Mk IX Spitfire aircraft in New Delhi while on vacation. Partnering with a friend they shipped it to Kansas City. He also had an appreciation for classic cars, once owning several Thunderbird convertibles and 1966 Mustangs.
His hobbies were vast. At an early age he demonstrated his talents as an artist. Later he turned to poetry to express himself. And finally turning his attention to home improvement projects. He was known for starting and working on numerous projects at once with his best buddy Mick. He loved working with his hands, always creating something and pondering new ideas and inventions.
Preferring the country over city life, he and his wife found an old farm in Paola, Kansas to renovate. There they enjoyed their horses and dogs, the quiet countryside, and spending time with loved ones. He is survived by sons Rick and Jamie, his grandson Lincoln, and his brother John.
We miss your smile, your kind thoughts and gestures and your stories. We find some peace and joy knowing you have gone home to God's Heavenly family and look forward to your big warm hugs again someday.
He will be honored at a memorial service held at the Leavenworth National Cemetery on March 7th at 3:00 PM.
This morning our son Lincoln asks for us to sing the "slippery slidey" song. It's been awhile since we sang that one together. It's a bathtime song that my Dad used to sing to me along with a similar one about a fish without a bathing suit. This song is about a bar of soap that goes "slippery slidey all over your hidey" Im certain that would have been an awesome present for our Dad. His grandson asks for one of his songs. A generational gifting of tradition......he'd smile.
Last Friday I drove to Topeka. I was right next to the capitol and thought there are some cool paintings in there and the archetecture is amazing as well. I thought this is something my Dad and I would go together and explore and talk about what it must have been like building and designing this building in the late 1800's. And with that thought there was enough motivation to take a quick peek inside. ( I was kinda late for returning home ) I imagined us together there. He would have enjoyed it.
We were saddened to learn that Dick recently had passed away. We last saw him at my dad's visitation in May of 2011. When looking at the posted photos, we were amazed to find that number 54 of 138 was a picture of him and my folks! That got mom digging into an old photo album that had a number of pictures from the '50s, most of them in deplorable condition, but salvageable.
I must have been about 5 when I first met "Dickie" Moore. My parents insisted that we kids call him "Mr. Moore", but he would have none of that. They were close enough friends that they were his godparents at his baptism (photo attached; let me know if you'd like the others) and in turn he was godfather to my brother Jim. I thought he looked like a movie star. He was big and handsome, had a dazzling smile, a ready laugh, and thick, wavy head of hair. He drove an MG roadster, red as I recall, and I always noticed how he wore his watch (see 54/138) and that he rolled his sleeves up by turning them to the inside, rather than the outside.
Another good man gone. But certainly not forgotten. Please accept our condolences.
--Bill Marshall (III) on behalf of the family.
