Clayton Moore Obituary

Clayton D. Moore, 84, died Aug. 6, 2009, at Providence Extended Care Center after a brief illness. A memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Friday at Kehl's Legacy Funeral Home, 11621 Old Seward Highway, followed by a reception at the home of Larry and Peggy Grady. Clayton, known as "Whitey," was born Nov. 17, 1924, in Slippery Rock, Pa., to Samuel and Bernice Moore. He graduated in 1942 from Academy High School in Erie, Pa. Two years later, he completed pilot training in the Army Air Corps and served in the Pacific Theater as a B-29 pilot. After the war, he graduated from Gannon College with an accounting degree and in 1951 joined the Air Force Reserves flying fighter and transport aircraft. Whitey's boyhood dream of coming to Alaska was realized when he accepted an assignment as operations officer at Kulis Air National Guard Base, moving his wife and three daughters to Anchorage in 1966. Col. Moore later served as commander of the 176th Tactical Airlift Group, Base Detachment commander and assistant adjutant general for air until his retirement. In addition to a lifetime love of flying, Whitey enjoyed all things outdoors, traveling, zoos and aquariums, sports and reading. In more recent years, rival games of cribbage and cards replaced golf greens and moose hunts. Spending summers at their "cabin" home on Lake Louise and the colder months in Sky Valley, Calif., became a routine well suited to him and his wife, Dottie. Whitey enjoyed music and was particularly fond of patriotic and marching songs and various church hymns. At the age of 76, Whitey took his first piano lesson, continuing to play until recently. "Whitey was a loving family man, always a gentleman, and a loyal, caring friend to many," his family recalled. "His strong work ethic, positive attitude, and high morals provided a lasting example to those who knew him." Whitey is survived by his wife, Dottie; daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Larry Grady; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Sam Stogsdill; grandsons, Nathaniel and Andrew Stogsdill; and sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Eugene Simpson of North Carolina. His extended family includes eight stepchildren, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Moore. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3851 Piper St., Suite U2110, Anchorage 99508, or online at www.cancer.org.

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Published by Anchorage Daily News from Aug. 16 to Aug. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Moore

3 Entries

August 20, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of Whitey's passing. Our deepest symphathy is with you in your time of sorrow. Whitey was a great guy and we treasured the friendship we had with the two of you. We really enjoyed the socials you held at your house over the past years and will miss seeing you in the future. Again our most sincere condolances to you and your family.

Gene and Bev Crisman

Mike Haller

August 17, 2009

Our family - my dad Harry, and uncles Jerry and Ike, were impacted by Whitey's leadership of the 176th at Kulis ANG Base during the time they were members of the unit. His energy and determined spirit helped set the stage for the expansion of the Alaska Air Guard and the missions that tremendous missions that would follow. He is another of the Guard pioneers who made a significant contribution.

Marla Mosher

August 16, 2009

Dottie, Jenny, Peggy, and Family: Saying that I am soo very sorry for your loss sounds soo trite when I think about all of the emotion that I feel when thinking about Whitey's death. For me, Whitey was "the best man on this planet" and I loved him more than life itself. I will never forget the times at the lake, all of the cribbage games that he "beat me" at, or the fun/laughter/and conversation that we had sitting around the table playing cards, or rolling dice. I will miss him sooo very much and will cherish all of the together times that we had. I know that Whitey had a good life, and was blessed with an amazing family who loved him/and whom he loved very much. I pray that God will grant all of you an abundance of peace while you move on with a "new normal" in the coming days. Until we meet again my friend, may you rest in peace in the loving arms of God.

With much Love,

Marla

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