Donald Joseph Moore, 89, of Washington Court House, Ohio died peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Mr. Moore was born May 25, 1934, the son of Warren M. and Dona Clement Moore on the eighth-generation family farm of Walnut Hill in Wayne Township in Clinton County.
He was a 1952 graduate of Wayne Township School and matriculated from Miami University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, creating a thesis of study of “Clinton County, Ohio and the Civil War.”
Donald retired from the Washington City School system after 42 years as a teacher, counselor, and administrator.
He served as a Southern State Community College trustee during the creation of the Brown County campus and had been a trustee for the Carnegie Public Library in Washington Court House. He also had served on the Washington Court House City Board of Appeals.
During 39 years of his more than half century as a trustee of the Fayette County Historical Society, he served as its secretary. He was a member of St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church for 60 years, participating in its restoration and the building of the parish hall as a member of the parish council.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Warren Samuel “Sam” Moore.
He is survived by his wife, the former Frances C. Hutchinson, whom he married on July 10,1968; a daughter, Diana (Aaron) Baines of Carlsbad, CA and their three children, Henry, Owen and Grace; his son, Alexander D. Moore of New York City and a special nephew, Steven S. Moore of Highland, OH. Also surviving is his sister, Anne Janda of San Diego; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Moore of Highland; brother-in-law, David Hutchinson of Anderson, IN along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, June 16, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church by the Rev. Father Jan C. Sullivan. Burial will follow in the St. Colman Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House Thursday from 4-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church, 219 South North Street or the Fayette County Historical Society, 517 Columbus Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
Mr. Moore, a true gift to the education profession, was one of the best teachers I ever had. He encouraged genuine learning, thoughtfulness and analysis, and helped us understand that history is far more complicated than many would prefer to make it.
It is with deep sadness that we learn Mr. Moore has passed. “Mr. Moore,” and it was always “Mr. Moore.” Even though he’s been a wonderful friend for decades, “Don” just never quite worked for those of us who were fortunate enough to have been in his American History class some sixty years ago — and who, as a result, still admired and respected him so deeply. He was a truly gifted teacher, one of the best I’ve ever known. His knowledge of the past, and love of history was infectious. He made me, for one, want to follow in his footsteps. My deepest sympathies go to his family. His passing will be mourned not only by the local community, but by all of us far and wide who knew him.
Steve Anders (WHS Class of 1964)
Retired Military Historian
Richmond, Virginia
Sorry to read about Donald’s passing. He graduated the same year as my Mother. GOD has gained another ANGEL. Sending hugs and prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻 to the family. My deepest condolences to all.