Marion Moore

Marion Moore was called Home on April 15, 2007, after a valiant battle with several health issues.

He was born on a homesteaded farm near Pampa, Wash., to Leat and Hilda (Chandler) Moore, on Jan. 26, 1912. In 1927 the whole family moved to Moscow, Idaho. On Dec. 16, 1930, he and Anne Knutson were married. They farmed the Knutson place and other land in the Moscow area for many years and all their children were born there: Martin, John, Harry, Marilyn and Steve. In 1945, they bought a farm in Tammany, near Lewiston, Idaho. Marion not only farmed but also had herds of sheep and Herford cattle. Marion farmed together with his older brother Harold and younger brother Bob during these years. In 1952, Marion and another brother Carl, took on the IH dealership - Moore Equipment - in Lewiston. Marion was a 4-H leader and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Then, in 1958, Marion, Anne and their sons moved to Moses Lake to take on a different kind of farming. It was back to pioneering as the Moore family had done a hundred years before in Whitman County. They farmed in Hiawatha and May Valleys, Block 40 and finally located in Block 89 in 1966.

Wherever Marion and Anne lived, they made their home a welcoming place. For decades they hosted annual family reunions. These reunions became known as the Melon Bust after Marion started raising watermelons as a cash crop. During the second weekend in August from 100 to 200 family members came to the Bust where family connections were kept alive and well. Truly, family was well celebrated during the Bust and throughout Marion's life.

Marion was preceded in death by his son Harry in 1942 and by his wife, Anne, who died in 1999. Marion and Anne were married for nearly 70 years and after she died he was known to say, "It hadn't been nearly long enough."

Marion is survived by his children: Martin (Arlene), John (Mary), Marilyn, Steve (LaVonne); eight grandsons: Marty (Christy), Doug (Deborah), Kevin (Betsy), Jeff, David, Mike, Tim and Neal (Jeannie), and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 23, at 1 p.m., at Kayser's Chapel of Memories in Moses Lake. This service will be preceded by a family graveside service at Pioneer Memorial Gardens at noon Monday. The memorial service will be followed by a luncheon at the Convention Center.

Should you wish to make a donation in memory of Marion, the family suggests that these be made to the Moses Lake Christian Academy, Living Word Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.