Mr. David G. Moore, 81, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 4:05 pm, Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville.
He was born February 25, 1941, in Jacksonville, Illinois. The son of Jesse A. and Mary Helen (Kelly) Moore, he married Benita Kay Black on June 19, 1966, in Salem, Illinois. She preceded him in death on July 21, 2020.
David is survived by longtime family friend Ann Pennington of Galesburg, whom the Moore family claims as one of its own; one brother, Bob Moore of Jacksonville, Illinois, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Jesse Jr., Alberta, Ed, Roy, Russell, Kenny, Jack, and Betty Moore; nieces and nephews Larry Heitzman, Ed Jr. Moore, Bobby Moore, Debbie Moore, Michael Moore, Connie Moore, and Suzie Miller.
David graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1959. He received his B.A. degree from Illinois College in 1963, and a few years later his M.A. degree in history from the University of Illinois.
The values and principles imparted to David as the ninth and youngest son in a family of modest means were evident throughout his life. Long walks with his father, good conversation, sharing of food, and hard work were all elements of his childhood. Individuality was encouraged, and respect and consideration for others and their views was expected.
David taught social studies and world history at Galesburg High School for over 31 years, retiring in June 1994. He created a welcoming but challenging classroom. His own love of ideas and concepts inspired and engaged students, and he worked hard to cultivate their thinking and analytical skills. In his early years of teaching, he coached baseball and was the cheerleading coach.
After retiring, David decided to embark on the challenging venture of writing a book of historical fiction to ensure that the story of his father and young uncle would be known to future generations of his family. He and Benita travelled to France and drove through the French countryside, exploring the trenches, cemeteries, and villages where his young uncle had fought and died. A few years later, Forgotten Valor was published, relating the story of Jesse and Elzie Moore.
David and Benita loved their property in Salem, IL which had been in Benita’s family for years. They were determined to conserve its natural beauty and be good stewards of the land. Sharing their farm and woods became an annual labor of love every Columbus Day weekend. Family and friends converged to enjoy conversation, take long walks in the woods, share good food, and reconnect with nature.
David and Benita set their sights on designing and helping construct a new house. With the help of a few friends, a farmer, and his tractor, they harvested some of the trees from the Salem land and used the lumber for the woodwork in their new home. So, Benita was surrounded by her woods once again.
Kids were drawn to David and he to them. He invented and played games with them, paid attention to them and made them feel valued. At holiday get-togethers he sat at the kids’ table. Together they talked, took walks, and solved problems. When one was reading the Harry Potter series, David read it as well. He and Benita provided opportunities and tried to expand the horizons of their nieces and nephews.
David had a wide range of interests and activities. He was a voracious reader of literature and historical fiction. (One of the last books he read was War and Peace.) He enjoyed playing cards, taking trips to Las Vegas, dancing, listening to music, watching good TV programs/movies, and travelling nationally and internationally. For years he and his tennis partner, Joe, played in leagues and tournaments, and in the summer his best friend, Doug, and he spent hours on the Bunker Links golf course. A daily walk was the norm, sometimes with his beloved Benita. He also enjoyed scuba diving trips to the Bahamas and Mexico with good friends. He and Benita were supporters of the arts. David served on the Galesburg Civic Art Center Board for a time. Student and teacher artworks are displayed in their home.
On most mornings, David could usually be found dining out at his favorite restaurant, Perkins. There, “Mr. Moore,” as he was known, would spend an hour or so enjoying his coffee and the other patrons.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 9, 2022, from Noon-2:00 pm at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Graveside services are scheduled for 11:30 am Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Public Library Foundation, FISH Food Pantry, or the Arbor Day Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
