Alvin “Gene” Moore 97, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on February 24, 2021. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He was born September 26, 1923 in Gardner, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Lottie Moore, his half sister Lois Herman, his half brother Raymond “Jack” Moore and his handsome identical twin brother Alva “Dean” Moore.
Gene is survived by his loving wife Melba Moore; whom he was married to for 78 years. He was also survived by his children Alan Moore and his spouse Patricia, Pat Klitenick, and Donna Lavery and her spouse Brian along with seven Grandchildren, eleven Great Grandchildren, and his sister Mary Jane Gieringer.
He worked as an apprentice to a civil engineer as a surveyor prior to serving in the Army for 3 years during World War II. After the war, he started his career with Hercules at Sunflower Ordnance Plant. In 1958 he moved to Cumberland, Maryland when he was transferred to Allegany Ballistics Laboratories at Rocket Center West Virginia. He worked there for 30 years as a development engineer and inventor and had 5 patents to his name. Additionally he helped disabled individuals with some of his inventions.
Gene was an avid aviator who took his first solo flight in a power plane on November 11, 1941. He belonged to the Cumberland Soaring Group and flew gliders and taildraggers for 30 years. At the time of his retirement, Gene moved to Leeward Air Ranch in Ocala, Florida. He continued to fly his Citabria (21 Victor) until he turned 91. Among his many notable accomplishments, Gene and fellow aviator Tim partnered to restore a prize winning Stearman biplane (used in World War II).
He was an active and longtime member of Fort King Presbyterian Church in Ocala, Florida. A memorial service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Fort King Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Marion county in his name.