J.W. Moore

John William Moore
January 27, 1933 – January 5, 2025
John William Moore – known to most as "JW" – of Charleston, Missouri, passed away peacefully at age 91 on January 5, 2025.
He was born on January 27, 1933, in East Prairie, Missouri, to the late Maurine Angela Pope Moore and Colon Archford Moore. JW grew up in East Prairie and graduated from East Prairie High School, where he became a lifelong organizer of activities for the Class of 1951. He was a dedicated student and athlete. He attended Murray State College from 1951 to 1953, where he was a member of the Murray State Racers basketball team. JW continued his education at the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (now part of the Missouri University of Science and Technology) from 1955 to 1957, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He was selected as a member of the Chi Epsilon honorary civil engineering fraternity.
In addition to his academic achievements, JW proudly served his country during the Korean War. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed the Engineering Foreman School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. JW was stationed in Alaska as a Regimental Draftsman, where he attained the rank of Specialist 3rd Class (SP-3).
Following his service, JW had a long and distinguished career in civil engineering. He worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an inspector and surveyor for levee construction projects in southern Missouri. JW had a nearly 40-year career with Exxon Pipeline Company, rising to the level of Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services. JW worked globally on oil pipeline construction projects across Europe and – one of his proudest accomplishments – leading the Engineering and Technical team in the design and construction of the 800-mile Trans-Alaskan Pipeline from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, Alaska.
On August 20, 1955, JW married Ruth Stallings of Charleston, Missouri. They had two sons, John and Steve. After his retirement, JW and Ruth were happy to return to their Mississippi County roots settling in Charleston. His beloved wife Ruth preceded him in death in 1999.
On July 7, 2001, JW married Nancy Heath, and together they made their home in Charleston. JW and Nancy enjoyed many wonderful trips around the world together, enjoyed community beautification as Master Gardeners, and formed lasting friendships in the area.
JW was a longtime member of the Baptist Church. He was also an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, where he remained committed to his profession. His community involvement included being a member of the Charleston Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, organizations that reflected his desire to contribute to others.
JW was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing often. He would proudly tell stories of his three lifetime hole-in-one achievements and playing on some of the world's most prestigious courses.
He also loved watching all types of sports, especially his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and his "LS and U" Tigers.
JW's family, friends, and colleagues will remember him as a man of integrity, a dedicated professional, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather – he loved desserts, was always the first to lead "Happy Birthday," and was quick with a hug and asking for "sugar". He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, service to others, and a deep commitment to his faith and community.
JW was preceded in death by his wife Ruth and his brother Colon Moore. He is survived by his sister, Patsy Moore Rowland of East Prairie and his wife Nancy of Charleston. In addition to his sons John (Alma) Moore of Breckenridge, Co. and Steve (Liz) Moore of Mansfield, Texas, he is survived by Brian (Donna) Heath of Mandeville, La., Alan Heath of St. Charles, Mo., and Emily (David) Dahlbeck of East Prairie. JW also enjoyed his grandchildren Ashley (David) Blanchard of New York City, Amy Moore of Denver, Co., Stephen Moore of Mansfield, Texas, Michael Moore of Mansfield, Texas, Madison Heath of New York City, Savannah Heath of San Antonio, Texas, Julianne Heath of Mandeville, La., and Abigail Dahlbeck of East Prairie. JW loved being a great-grandfather to Celine, Vera, and Jude Blanchard, all of New York City. JW leaves a host of family and friends in the Southeast Missouri area.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 11,2025, at 9:30 a.m. at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the McMikle Chapel with Rev. Gerald Collier and Rev. Beth Allen, officiating.
A graveside service will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery near Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial gifts be made in JW's name to the Charleston Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 293, Charleston, MO 63834