Joe Howard Moore

Joe Howard Moore

June 15, 1950 – April 13, 2025

Joe Howard Moore, lovingly known as “Papa” by those closest to him, passed away on April 13, 2025, in Edmond, Oklahoma, after a brief illness. He was 74 years old.

Born on June 15, 1950, in Harrison, Arkansas, to William and Barbara Moore, Joe grew up with a strong sense of family and duty. He graduated from Star Spencer High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma, in 1968 and went on to serve his country with honor in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He enlisted on August 28, 1968, and served actively through 1971, with continued service through August 27, 1974.

After his military service, Joe earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s degree from Central State. He spent much of his professional life working as a structural engineer. He was a member of the American Legion, Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City, and the Men’s Bible Study Fellowship.

In retirement, Joe found joy in writing and was an active member of a local writers’ group. He authored several science fiction and military fiction books, as well as a historical account of his time in Vietnam—a reflection of his thoughtful and creative spirit.

Joe was a die hard Oklahoma Sooner fan and he enjoyed cheering on his beloved Sooners, win or lose, rain or shine. He and Linda made many wonderful memories together at Kanakuk K Kauai family camp, and traveling to Alaska, Colorado, Italy, and Santa Fe.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Linda Proctor-Moore, and his beloved children: Christopher Moore; Barbara Kay Boyd and her husband, Scott; Stephanie Burleson and her husband, James; Suzanne Ritchal and her husband, Anthony; and Caroline Nyalala. He was a proud grandfather to Nicholaus Botts, Tyler Botts, Juanita Engle, Dillon Aylett, Olivia Ritchal, James Burleson III ("Trey"), Aidan Burleson, Ellie Ritchal, Gwenyth Ritchal, and Lillian Nyalala. He had five great grandchildren: Kaylee Botts, Arthur Botts, Ronan Botts, William Engle, and Wayne Engle.

He is also survived by his brothers: Michael Moore and his wife, Jama, of Decatur, Illinois; Richard Moore and his wife, Kathy, of Noble, Oklahoma; and Keith Moore and his wife, Debbie, of Berryville, Arkansas, along with several cherished nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William and Barbara Moore.

The Moore family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the nurses of Integris Hospice for their compassionate care, and to Dr. Elizabeth Wickersham, Brandon Moore, and Kari Sweatt for their unwavering support during Joe’s hospice journey.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on May 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73134, with a reception to follow.

A livestream broadcast of the service will be available for those who are unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Joe’s memory.

https://us-east-2.protection.sophos.com/?d=vimeo.com&u=aHR0cHM6Ly92aW1lby5jb20vZXZlbnQvNTA4NTI0Mi9hNjRlNGEyOGIx&i=NjczNjEyMzk5ZTMwY2M3Nzc3MjlmMGUy&t=S0s2dzNGdlRTT3NsZFZOMWsxMzBwOGhPcWJpY3czVCsrK2xEcCsyakU0WT0=&h=c127f305edff42c380e07e1395d61d42&s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVZk7N08Feth5styrl_opUG-oQlvbSv7KVbyVoAbilCl2Q