Leo Moore

1934 - 2024

Leo Moore
Benzonia, Mi
June 8, 1934 - January 23, 2024
Leo Emerson Moore passed away January 23, 2024, at the age of 89. Leo saw more of the world before turning 18 than most adults at the time. When he was 13, he was sent off to multiple schools several states away but kept running away and hitchhiking back home back to Benzie County. At the age of 16 Leo took his crippled brother's place in the Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. His heart was torn between Benzie County and his cabin in Chitina, Alaska. He loved catching, cleaning, smoking, and canning Alaskan Salmon, Halibut and Crab. In the Fall he would drive his loaded truck to Benzie County to gift his family and friends those rare treats of Alaska. Everyday at 5pm, Leo spent the evening at Uncle Tom's Tavern (a place he called "The Office"), buying rounds for his friends. He loved telling stories about being a Teamster during the Trans Alaska Pipeline construction or being a commercial fisherman in the Prince William Sound. He worked for the State of Alaska Department of Transportation keeping the Thompson Pass Road open during avalanches and snow storms, it was one of the snowiest places on earth. Leo loved playing Cribbage, Pinochle, Dominoes and other games competitively. He would enter his giant cabbage and other vegetables in the Chitina Fall Festival. Leo recently moved back home to Benzie County and was blessed with the last few months of spending time with his family every day. Leo is survived by his wife Jenelda Moore of AK., sons Rodney (Billie Jo) Moore, Peter (Shelli) Moore, Daniel (Carol) Moore, daughters Cindra Moore, and Renee (Kenneth) Selman, grandchildren Justin Burke, Brent( April) Moore, Sarah (John) Dyer, Sara (Dennis) Muth, Samantha (Alan) Newstead, Rodney (Nate Lentz) Moore, Peter (Rachel) Moore, Karalee (James) Wilson, 9 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Leo was preceded in death by son Teddy Moore, 5 sisters, 3 brothers, and ex-wife Judy. A service was held January 27th, and burial will take place at Inland Township Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to The Homesteader in Benzonia.