Col. Thomas Moore

Colonel Thomas Wesley Moore left his earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on 10/5/2023. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith. Tom was born on November 4, 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa just a week after the start of the Great Depression.

Tom graduated from Kansas University in 1956 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

He worked for the pulp and paper mill in St. Francisville of 30 years and retired in 1991. He held several positions including project manager, which included plant expansions, modifications, and renovations.

He was responsible for the installation of the first computer systems and electronic controls in the plant. He was the only metallurgist in the plant and over the years became a world-wide expert on digesters.

Tom was a lifetime active member of First Christian Church. He was active in Friendship Force, MOWW, MOA, Osher Lifelong learning Institute (OLLI) and chairman 2010-2011. He led Great Decisions, gave power point speeches and TED talk classes.

Col. Moore was drafted into the US Army as a private in 1950 as an infantryman during the Korean conflict. After having served in 5 enlisted ranks and 6 officer ranks he retired in 1989 at age 60 as a Colonel (0-6) serving his country in the army for 38 years, 9 months and 4 days. He is a graduate of the advanced infantry school at Fort Benning and the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. He won the 10th Infantry Division High Power rifle Championship competing against 26,000 troops. He was appointed Chief of Small Arms Weapons reservist and was called back to active duty in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis.

In 1954 he earned his Distinguished medal for High Power Rifle, and earned his Distinguished medal of Pistol Shot in 1975. One of the very few people that are Distinguished in both rifle and pistol in the history of shooting.

He holds an Olympic Judge’s class A license in the Olympic sport of shooting. He was judge and official in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1996 Olympics games in Atlanta. He was Director/Official in 1 World Championship, 13 World Cups, Pan American Games and Bonita Juarez International Shooting Championships, plus numerous National shooting championships. Additionally, he is a member of the NRA 2600 Club and a member of the Presidents 100 Club. In 1985 he was the temporary Olympic Women’s Pistol coach in St. Louis. In appreciation of exceptional service at the World Cups in Los Angeles and in Atlanta competitions Col. Moore was awarded the bronze, silver, and gold medals.

Tom married Margaret Ficke Moore in 1954 and had 3 children. And in their 70 years of marriage, they enjoyed extensive travel to 116 countries and territories. 

We celebrate his life and his legacy and appreciate the 93 years God gave him to us. 

Matt. 25:21 Well done, my good and faithful servant. 

Survived by his loving wife, Margaret, son, Stephen Christian Moore (Tina); son, Michael Harlan Moore (Brenda); daughter, Lorraine Marie Pitre (Scott); sister-in-law Mary Lou Anderson; grandchildren, Cameron Moore, Tyler Moore (Kelbie), Savanna Deynzer Matthews (Dylan), Shelby Deynzer, and Kaylee Deynzer, Blake Cason (Amanda), Erin Sullivan, Brigid Davidson (John Tyler), Olivia Pitre, Paden Pitre; great grandchildren Keira Moore, Aliya Moore, Kennedy Moore,  Holland Matthews, Torin Davidson, Ada Davidson, Coral Ford, Iris Davidson.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Harlan Winfield Moore and Bertina Otelia Moore, and his sister, Helen Lorrayne Greenwood.  

The family is grateful for the professional, loving care by Dr. Jose Mendoza and the Bridgeway Hospice Staff.  

Expressions of your loving admiration are deeply appreciated and instead of flowers or food, a memorial fund to honor Thomas Wesley Moore may be sent to First Christian Church 8484 Old Hammond Hwy. BR, LA 70809. 

A private family military burial service will be held at Greenoaks Memorial Park.