Jerry F. Moore

Jerry F. Moore, 83, passed away at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, Florida on Monday, April 29, 2019. Jerry was born July 6, 1935 in Bicknell, Indiana. He served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant on September 1, 1975. He worked as the bookkeeper for Closner Construction from 1975 to 1985. After their retirement, Jean and Jerry wintered in Texas and Florida, moved briefly to Princeton, Indiana, until finally settling in Lakeland, Florida. While he was in his 60’s, and into his 70’s Jerry (mostly) enjoyed walking more than 14 half marathons with his best friend Tom Sowder and sometimes his daughters and grandkids. Jerry and Jean Ann Moore were married on April 27, 1957 after they met while he was stationed to assist in the opening of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. During their 62 years of marriage, they raised four daughters, while being stationed in Anchorage, Alaska; Joliet, Illinois; K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Gwinn, until finally settling in Ishpeming, Michigan to raise their family. Jerry is survived by his wife, Jean Ann Moore, daughters Mary Sue Moore of Fort Worth, Texas, Pam (Don) Korpi, Cathy Moore and Ardith Moore all of Marquette, Michigan; grandchildren Melissa Wood, Tia (Dan) Korpi, David (Jaime) Korpi, and Jessica (Chris) Warner; great grandchildren Gage and Tyler Wood and Cydney and Emilia Warner – all of whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by Tom (Ann) Sowder of Mount Dora, Florida – his best friend and brother for over 70 years whom he talked to almost every day. If Tom and Jerry were together, there was sure to be stories (some true) and really good belly laughs. No one could make Jerry laugh like Tom and vice versa. He is also survived by his brother Butch and sister Ardith. He was preceded in death by his very special aunt, Betty Crawford, his parents, and brother Marshal Moore. A private military service will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 2:00 at the Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home at Serenity Gardens. A service will be held in the Summer of 2019 in Ishpeming, Michigan. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Jean and Jerry’s neighbors and special friends, Mary and Walt Walkowski, for the unlimited caretaking during Jerry and Jean’s illnesses – they were a comfort and a blessing. The family would also like to thank the Good Shephard Hospice House staff who treated Jerry with respect and dignity during his final hours and provided a room for him right next to Jean’s so they could be near each other until the end. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shephard Hospice House, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805.

Jerry F. Moore

July 6, 1935 - April 29, 2019