Edward "Eddie" James Moore 1945-2009

Edward "Eddie" James Moore, 64, son of Leslie and Ursie (Kelley) Moore, was born Feb. 1, 1945, in West Plains, Mo. He passed away July 31, 2009, at Texas County Memorial Hospital, Houston, Mo., of a heart attack.

He was preceded in death by his father in 2000.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Rowena of the Dykes community; three sons, Michael Edward, Terry Lynn and wife Sharon of Houston and Joey Don and wife Julie of Cabool; his mother, Ursie; two brothers, Delane and wife Hilda and Gary all of Houston; seven grandchildren, Shelbi, Coyd James, Chris and Zack Moore and Jenny, Jessi and Josi Spauldin; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He grew up in Bendavis and Houston area and graduated from Houston High School in 1962.

Eddie married his high school sweetheart, Rowena Hicks, on April 5, 1963, and to this union three sons were born.

He attended Clara Baptist Church, Clara, Mo. He received Christ as his Savior and remained faithful throughout the years in his service. He taught Sunday school to several youth and served on the building committee.

Eddie attended The School of the Ozarks briefly. He worked at International Shoe Company until it closed. Eddie then moved to St. Louis and worked at McDonald Aircraft for six years, having received a zero defect award. He moved back to Houston to work with his dad, building several houses around the area, including two for himself. After the housing demand slowed down, he purchased a farm in the Dykes community and in 1977 went into the dairy business. With the help from his family and friends, they built a new milk barn. Eddie and Rowena took great pride in building a good dairy herd, placing in the top 10 on the D.H.I.A. in Texas County for several years, also receiving the outstanding milk quality award two years in a row from AMPI. In 1986 they received the farm management award and in 1987. The Missouri Farm Management state Honor for Texas County. They were also given the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree.

He also served on the Booster Club, Extension Council, The ASCS Board, The Cattlemans Board and the Farm Bureau Board, and he was an A.M.P.I voting delegate, making several trips, loving to fly. He really enjoyed the flight George took him on in his small plane.

He loved farming but also enjoyed playing a round of golf or two. In 1994, his golfing team took first place in B flight at a golf tournament in Houston. We can just hear him say, 'Can you believe that?'

Eddie and Rowena worked side by side in all their endeavors. In 1999, they sold their dairy herd and started a beef cow/calf operation. He took great pride in building corrals or fences; he always wanted it done right. After his first heart attack, Eddie struggled not being able to do as much, but soon learned to pace himself, doing what he could.

He loved helping other people no matter what it was. Eddie helped build the addition to the Big Red Building. He loved sports of any kind. You could always find him at many ballgames, watching his boys play football or basketball.

Then came the grandchildren; he was so proud of them all, especially Shelbi. He was looking forward to her senior year of softball and basketball. Eddie cared about all the players, always encouraging them to just do their best.

C.J. was his right-hand man, working in the hay and combining the last three summers. They spent a lot of time together. C.J. was so upset when the combine got away from him and went into the pond. Grandpa Eddie just laughed. He just enjoyed being with his family, teaching them what he could. C.J.'s half-brother, Terry Wolfe, was a special part of the family as well. Eddie always considered him a grandson. Eddie had a heart as big as Texas when it came to his grandchildren and their friends.

Eddie's other love was fishing. He and Rowena spent time at Truman Lake in their camping trailer. He always wanted to share it with his cousins, friends and family. Their last fishing trip was Wednesday, when he limited out on white bass and they watched their last sunset together. Rowena had even taken a picture of it.

His legacy and love will continue for years to come. Eddie will be missed, but his family and friends will meet him again at his mansion in the sky, which he now shares with his Master.

Services were 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, in the First Christian Church, Houston. Paul Murray, Jackie Cooper and Wesley Wallace officiated. Burial was in the Wolford Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers family requests memorials to Houston Tiger Booster Club, Wolford Cemetery or Gideons.