Obituary published on Legacy.com by Freeman Mortuary - Jefferson City on Dec. 20, 2023.
Gerald Philip "Jerry" Moore, age 84, of
Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Monday, December 18, 2023, at the University of Missouri Hospital in
Columbia, Mo.He was born on August 24, 1939, in
Louisiana, Mo., the son of John Calvin and Geneva Beryle (Phillips) Moore. Jerry was married to Erselle Mathews and to this union two children were born. He was married on May 27, 1978, in
Austin, Tx., to Jo Lynn Northcutt who survives at the home.
Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Lake Hamilton High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas where he found the love of playing basketball and became rather good at it. After high school, Jerry attended Ouachita Baptist College in Arkansas.
Following his school years, Jerry embarked on a diverse professional journey. He initiated his career as a truck driver delivering lumber in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Subsequently, Jerry returned to Missouri, where he owned and managed a service station in Perry. His business also included a tank wagon service supplying fuel to nearby farmers. After selling the service station, Jerry transitioned to become an auto parts salesman in
Mexico, Missouri, and later worked at Florsheim Shoe Company as a foreman overseeing two departments. In 1977, Jerry and Jo relocated to Austin, Texas, where he served as a supervisor for several stores within Sigmor Oil Company. As the supervisor, Jerry had the responsibility of collecting funds from all seven stores, a task that proved to be challenging due to the substantial amount of money involved. Jerry and Jo moved back to Missouri in 1990.Jerry was able to devote most of his time to helping build Cornerstone Baptist Church, which then led to an opportunity to dedicate several years of service to the Missouri Baptist Convention before retiring in 2000.
Jerry actively participated in his faith and demonstrated unwavering commitment as a dedicated member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. In 2005, Jerry suffered his first stroke, but this setback did not hinder his determination to volunteer at Capital Region Medical Center, where he spent time visiting recovering stroke survivors.
During his time in Texas, Jerry engaged in various activities. He would regularly venture out on his boat on a lake to fish while Jo focused on her studies. When fishing lost its appeal, he would take Jo water skiing. Jerry also found enjoyment in attending University of Texas sports events, holding season tickets. Additionally, he cultivated a passion for gardening, particularly growing vegetables like tomatoes. Upon returning to Missouri, he relished renting garden plots across the Missouri River. Diligently caring for his plants, he often brought the harvest to farmer's markets in Jefferson City, earning recognition in the newspaper for his gardening efforts. In retirement, Jerry also taught himself to play the guitar.
Above all, Jerry's greatest joy lay in spending quality time with his family. He wholeheartedly loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Despite differing opinions and views among family members, Jerry relished engaging in political discussions and, on occasion, found himself in some spirited, yet healthy debates. A few years back, Jerry and Jo seized the opportunity to attend the wedding of a dear friend in Paris. During their travels, they explored the beaches of Normandy and London, and within the United States, they ventured to the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and, of course, made numerous trips to Hot Springs. Jerry's kindness and love extended to all, making him a cherished figure in the lives of those around him. Despite being set in his ways, Jerry proved to be an attentive and affectionate husband, a role model, and a trusted confidant. His absence leaves a void that will be keenly felt by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Jo Lynn Moore; children, Jeri "Roxanne" Couch and Sheri Grim (Steve) both of Hot Springs, Ar.; siblings, Jack Moore (Leann), Judy Moore, Don Moore, and Michael Moore (Debbie); sisters-in-law,
Terry Moore and Cynthia Moore; grandchildren, Amanda Palmer (Brandon), Jason Campbell (Brandy), Elizabeth Simerley (Richard), and Nicholas Towell; 11 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Geneva Moore; brothers, Thomas Moore and Richard Moore, grandson, Mathew Towell, and grandson-in-law, Tyler Chitty.
Jerry's family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers and physical therapists who provided unwavering support and care throughout his journey. Their compassion made a lasting impact on his life.
Visitation will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Thursday, December 28, 2023.
Memorial services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023, at cornerstone Baptist Church with the Reverend Guy Thomas officiating. Graveside services and entombment will be held at the Columbarium of Riverview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Cornerstone Baptist Church,
4930 Old Lohman Rd.,
Jefferson City, Mo., 65109, The Healing House and New Beginnings, P.O. Box 1682,
Jefferson City, Mo., 65102-1682, or CRMC Partners Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1128,
Jefferson City, Mo., 65102, or a
charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.