In about 30 minutes, our church is saying good bye to one of the most wonderful Christian man we know.  Byron Moore passed away on Wednesday.  He was such a dear man and very special to us all.  We will not be attending his funeral this afternoon.  Anthony has to work and I don't think I could handle it emotionally.  I have done to well these past couple of days so I don't want to break down at the funeral too.  I will just stay here and remember him and say good bye in my own way.  Here is his obtiuary:


On August 6, 2008, Byron Moore celebrated his first day in heaven. Byron passed away at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born in Moore’s Creek, KY to Leonard and Maymie Ellen (Jody) Moore on November 7, 1931. He lived in McKee, KY until he enlisted in the Air Force. Byron came to Oklahoma when he was assigned to Ardmore Air Force Base in 1954. During that time, he met the love of his life, Sandra Lea Wiggin. They were married on April 21, 1956 and he was an “Okie” for life. Byron attended Central State Teachers College, Edmond (now UCO) where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. His first teaching assignment was at Oklahoma State Training school in Helena, OK. He next taught at Ponca Military Academy from 1960 to1974 when the school closed. Known as Captain Moore, he was highly respected and loved by his students, both as a teacher and coach. After PMA closed, Byron began working as a Lab Technician at Continental Carbon Black. He retired from the company after working there for 17 years.

Byron’s life was blessed with 3 children, Debra Renee, Diana Kaye, and Charles Byron. He enjoyed his children, but he also loved to serve the Lord. In his teens, Byron accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. He and his family began attending Central Baptist Church in 1965 and Byron continued to serve until he was able to meet the Lord. He was a trustee of the church and later was elected as a deacon. He continued to teach the youth by attending youth functions and church camp as a counselor each summer for junior and senior camp. He was happy to share his testimony of faith with anyone who would listen. Byron also enjoyed playing and umpiring slow pitch softball. He played softball with the senior league in Stillwater. He remained active until his death.

Byron is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra, his daughter, Debra Conner, her husband, William, and their children, Tim and Megan, his daughter, Diana Brewer, her husband, Denny, and their children, Jordan, Jared, and Jennae, and his son, Charles Byron, his wife, Pamela, and their children, Alec, Brieana, and Chase. He is also survived by 2 nephews, Larry and Keith Gabbard.

Byron is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Maymie Moore, his sister, Nell Gabbard, and his grandson, William Tyler Conner.

The service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2008 at Northeast Baptist Church with Pastor John Waterloo, minister of Central Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will then follow at Longwood Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Casketbearers will be the deacons of Central Baptist Church, Andy Biddinger, Robin Richardson, Sam Blackstar, Joel Garza, Steve Patrick, and Mark Byard

Honorary casketbearers will be alumni cadets from Ponca Military Academy. Memorial contributions can be sent in lieu of flowers to Central Baptist Church Building Fund, 611 E. Hartford, Ponca City, OK 74601 or Ponca Military Academy Trust Fund, c/o Hugh Bagley, 101 E. Snowmass, Yukon, OK 73099.