Ben Moore Obituary

ENERGY -- Ben E. "Gene" Moore, 87, passed away at 8:09 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2011, in Herrin Hospital, with his loving sons at his side.

Mr. Moore was the band director for Herrin Junior High School from 1967 until his retirement in 1980. He formerly taught at Mount Vernon High School from 1959 to 1965 and at Harrisburg Junior High School from 1965 to 1967.

He was of Christian faith, graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Bachelor's degree and was a veteran of the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II serving from 1943 to 1946.

Ben was born July 20, 1923, in West Frankfort to Bert B. and Mabel Katherine (Nangle) Moore.

Ben was united in marriage with Mary Juliaette Webb on April 11, 1947, in West Frankfort. She preceded him in death Dec. 24, 2003.

Surviving are a daughter, Kathryn Wilham of Sequamish, Wash.; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Russ Moore of Energy, and Mark and Linda Moore of Champaign; six grandchildren, Alesia Alanso and her husband, Gary of Manhattan Beach, Calif., Amileth LeeAnn Brooks and her husband, Chad of Cobden, Nicholas Morgan Moore and his friend, Scott Stephens of Chicago, Thomas Moore of Champaign, Adrienne Moore of Athens, Ga., and Mary Moore of Champaign; five great-grandchildren, Isaac John Brooks and Abram Xavier Brooks of Cobden, Morgan Alanso, Delaney Alanso and Sawyer Alanso of Manhattan Beach, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughter-in-law, Jane Ann Moore; and one brother, Bert Moore.

A time of gathering for friends and relatives will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin. Private family graveside services will be at Webb Cemetery at Tunnel Hill, with the Rev. Ed Hoke officiating. The preferred form of remembrance is memorial donations made to the Herrin Junior High School Band. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Southern Illinoisan on May 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ben Moore

12 Entries

Donna Marlow White

May 23, 2025

I still remember.... every thing I have ever accomplished is because Mr Moore showed me just how much hard work pays off.

He didn't just teach... he exemplified all that was possible if you worked hard.

Thanks, Mr Moore... for everything.....

Donna Marlow White

May 23, 2022

I still think of Mr Moore often....so many kids, now adults, learned so much from him....hard work, honor, and pride

donna white

May 23, 2019

I still think of Mr Moore at least once a week....he was an amazing band director, mentor, and friend. Anything I have accomplished, I have done so because he told me I could.

Carolyn (Wilson) Bowers

June 9, 2011

Mickey & Rusty - my deepest condolences. I remember your father well. I'm sorry to read of his passing.

Jeanie (Johnson) Herring

June 1, 2011

Mr Moore was not only a teacher, but also a friend who encouraged us to do and be our best, not only in the band room, but also when were outside the band room. The lessons, fussill drill books, stars, solo contests, medals, concert band, practices, etc... Mr Moore and Mr Johnson were teachers that left footprints in our hearts and lives. For that I Thank them and they will always be remembered.

Danny Bayless

June 1, 2011

Mr. Moore, my teacher and friend. I have often looked back at the years in the bandroom with fondness and will always remember Mr. Moore for his dedication to his students. A very great influence on many students of music.

Raymond Stewart

June 1, 2011

I was listening to a radiolab.org podcast recently about afterlife. Some scholarly guest was talking about how we die 3 "deaths": when the soul leaves the body, when the body is interred, and when our name is spoken for the last time. I haven't seen Mr. Moore in probably 30 years but although he has passed there is nothing in my relationship with him that changes now. In my line of work, Gene Moore and Carson Johnson (Carterville, IL) accompany me everywhere I go and I will utter their names until I no longer can.

Bruce Sohn

May 30, 2011

He was an inspiration to a generation of young musicians. Getting it just right required hardwork and dedication. Mr. Moore laid the foundation for many of us.

Tracie (Crompton) Moore

May 29, 2011

Mr. Moore was the teacher that inspired me more than any other. I learned so much about music from him. Mr. Moore gave me confidence and pushed me to do not only my best musically, but encouraged me as a young girl to be the best person I could be. I will never forget him. Thank you, Mr. Moore, fot believing in us. And to the Mr. Moore's son's--thank you for sharing your dad with us!!

Jane Helleny Herman

May 29, 2011

I still have my 5 stars, my Fussill drill book and my saxophone. Mr. Moore pushed me to do things I didn't think were possible. His band room was home base for so many of us.

Diane Tripp Marble

May 29, 2011

Gene Moore was a rare teacher able to inspire excellence, and not just in music. I remember his posting the life-sized poster of olympic swimmer, Mark Spitz, in our bandroom. He will be missed.

Donna Marlow

May 29, 2011

Your father meant the world to me as a nerdy kid growing up in the 60's and 70's.....he introduced me to classical music and told me I was good at something! He took me under his wing after I had eye surgeries in the 7th grade......he wasn't JUST my band director...he was my FRIEND........so sorry for your loss......

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