Russell Mooney

MOONEY, RUSSELL, 96, passed away from this life on Monday, September 30, 2002, at home of natural causes. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Friday at Lake Highland United Methodist Church, 9015 Plano Rd., Dallas. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dallas Children's Theater, 2215 Cedar Spring Rd., Dallas, 75201 or the Hospice Foundation, 8585 North Stemmons, Suite 700, Dallas, 75247. Russell Mooney was born June 21, 1906, in Chicago, Ill. Russell was an inventor and the founder of Mooney Engineering, which manufactured custom engineered factory automation equipment for twenty years. He graduated from the University of Illinois, as a Mechanical Engineer in 1928. He worked for Robert W. Hunt Co. for 17 years in Chicago gaining increasing levels of responsibility while starting his family. He was married to his wife, Agnes on Nov. 25, 1944. He moved to Fort Worth in 1946, with Texas Steel Mfg. Co. and later worked five years at Dresser Industries. Over the years, he became an expert in science of metallurgy. To satisfy his entrepreneurial urges, he started Mooney Engineering, which specialized in automated production machinery. He and his wife, Agnes Stoner Mooney, who served as office manager, sold Mooney Engineering in 1980, to spend more time with family, traveling and personal interests. Russell was an active sportsman well into his 80's, inspiring everyone he met to make the most of their life. Among his interests were sailing, hunting, marksmanship, motorcycling, gun collecting and flying. He loved flying his twin engine aircraft including a sea plane. He was a serious marksman who won many awards throughout his lifetime. He and his wife traveled extensively in their motor home and their airplane. In pursuing his hobbies and travels, he expanded the experiences of those around him by sharing his knowledge, interest and enthusiasm. He was a true gentleman, steadfast with strong ethics and integrity. He was always unassuming and charitable in his support of family, friends and associations. Memberships included: Texas Association of Business (TAB) Director for three years, Chicago Engineers Club, Fort Worth Boat Club, Fort Worth Trap and Skeet Club, Fort Worth Rifle and Pistol Club, First Methodist Church of Fort Worth and the National Rifle Association. Mooney Engineering received the TAB Small Business Award of the year in 1972. One grandchild and two great-grandchildren were named after him. He was preceded in death by his first wife of thirteen years, Margaret Schumacher; his older brothers, Raymond and Paul; and his elder son, Bruce. Survivors: Wife of fifty eight years, Agnes Mooney; daughter, Jane Travis and husband, Bill of Dallas; son, Raymond Mooney of Dallas; daughter-in-law, Wanda Mooney Avery of Grass Valley, Calif; seven grandchildren, Paul Mooney and Paula of Weimer, Calif., Christopher Mooney and Leslie of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK, Douglas Mooney and Lena of Saratoga, Calif., Bryan Russell Travis of Chamonix, France, Toby Travis of Carrollton, Diane Jolly and David of Denton and Karen Zachary and Scott of San Diego, Calif.; nine great-grandchildren, Joseph Mooney, Lucas Mooney, Cameron Mooney, Russell Mooney, Caitlin Mooney, Sean Mooney, Russell Jolly, Elizabeth Jolly and Taylor Zachary. Greenwood Funeral Home 3100 White Settlement Rd Fort Worth, TX 76107 (817) 336-0584