Delmar Ray Moore

Del Moore passed away peacefully at the age of 90 leaving behind a legacy of integrity, an unrelenting work ethic, a little bit of stubbornness, and so much love.

Del was born during a flood in a small house by the docks of Fresno, California and his mom’s doctor had to wear hip waders to reach the front door. He grew up on farms around California and in a loving family with six other siblings – their house was the gathering place for all occasions. He remembered donating aluminum pots and pans for the war effort and was 10 years old when the bells, whistles, and sirens went off to celebrate V-J Day.

Del finished his high school years in Huntsville, Arkansas. He was on the District Championship Football Team and was All-District his Senior Year. Del started boxing in high school and when the boxing coach was needed elsewhere, he chose high-schooler Del to replace him as the head boxing coach. During this time, he won the State Golden Glove Championship (lightweight, 135 pounds).

After high school he played football for Fresno Junior College. Del helped them win many games and was offered walk-on at UC Davis which he declined. Never to do just one thing, Del also ran track and field and came very close to breaking a five-minute mile. Before joining the army, Del graduated with a degree in Animal Science from Fresno State University.

Del was activated for the Berlin Crisis in the Army Reserves Medical Unit and spent time at Madigan Hospital at Fort Lewis. After his discharge, Del attended Oregon State University, earning his teaching degree—beginning a family legacy at OSU later shared by many of his children and grandchildren.

Del taught General Science and Vocational Agriculture at Yamhill-Carlton High School, working closely with the Future Farmers chapter. After moving to Greater Albany Public Schools, he and his family settled on a farm in North Albany, where they raised their four children. At South Albany High School, he served as a dedicated agriculture teacher, assistant wrestling coach, FFA advisor, and 4-H leader, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.

After teaching, Del created the respected Moore Roofing company which is still operated by his son today. His commitment to his work and his word helped him build lasting relationships with countless clients and that legacy lives on.

Del had the rare gift of being a truly genuine friend, if you knew Del, you were his friend for life. He kept close ties with high school, college, and Army friends, attended most of his high school reunions—most recently his 70th—and his treasured family reunions. Later in life, he stayed active and social through mall walks, Albany Amblers, and his beloved Friday night dinner group.

Del will be remembered for his character, loyalty, and humor, and for the many lives he touched as a teacher, mentor, businessman, friend, and family man. His influence lives on through those he loved and the values he modeled every day.

His greatest pride, however, was his family and the home that he built for them. Del was especially proud of his four children and their spouses, Mike (Jodi) Moore, Mary (Dean) Thomas, Sara (Alan) Schoblom, Ellen (Rick) Lepinski; his grandchildren, Corey Thomas, Arielle (Alex) Schoblom Barr, Cassidy Schoblom, Katie Thomas, Davis Moore; and his beloved grand-pups. In his final years, the time he shared with his children and grandchildren filled his days with deep joy, love, and meaning.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Yellow Gold Farm, 36040 Tennessee Road SE, Albany, Oregon 97322 at noon, lunch will be served. If you are unable to attend we will have a livestream Zoom link available, if you would like an invitation please email [email protected].

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and shared memories in his honor. In memory of Del, we invite you to honor his love for the Oregon FFA Foundation with a contribution in lieu of flowers.