MOORE, Leonard Jacob "Jake" was born to Claude and Blanche Daugherty Moore on May 2, 1917 in Pittsburgh PA.
He departed this life on August 14, 2012 in Midland, TX surrounded by family and friends.
He graduated from Penn State in 1941 with a degree in forestry. Jake was truly a product of the greatest generation - he did his duty for his country and his family willingly, and without question or complaint. He served his country in WWII as a bomber pilot, flying most of his missions in B24's and B26's out of Alaska.
Upon his discharge from the Army Air Corps, he returned to New Martinsville, WV where he met and married Dorothy Louise Kappel, a marriage that lasted 63 years, until her death in 2009. Following his military service, he became a U.S. Forest Ranger and supervised timber management for 25 years in Ohio, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas.
Jake was predeceased by Dorothy, his parents, his stepmother Ila West Moore and sister, Winifred Arman. He is survived by sister June Mullet; daughter, Candace and husband Warren (Ardoin), daughter Anne and Jim (Woodford), granddaughter Paula and Greg (Jordan), grandson Clay and Emily (Ardoin), great grandchildren, Baylee and Jake ( Jordan), Isabella and Olivia (Ardoin) and Anna Waldrop. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces/nephews.
To describe Jake as a character is an understatement to say the least. He maintained his quick wit and quirky behavior until he drew his last breath. He was determined to the end to do things his way, and he did. We learned many things from him in his lifetime and many lessons about living as his life drew to a close. We want to thank Louisa Navarette for the loving care she has provided over the last three years; she has become a part of our family. We also want to thank Hospice of Midland for their care and support.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 18, 2012, from 10 a.m. until time of service at Noon at the Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, 751 Third St., New Martinsville, with Rev. Jayne Chafin officiating.
Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, New Martinsville, with Military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be made to: First Christian Church "Love Ladies" P.O. Box 274 New Martinsville, WV 26155.
Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes. com.
