On Monday night, May 18, 2015, the Lord swept Marcell “John” Moore, the dearly loved patriarch of our family, to Heaven, after he’d overcome enormous health challenges for years, valiantly cheating death again and again. We are blessed beyond words that he fought courageously to live against all odds and we count dear every moment we had with him. After a number of hospitalizations over the previous year, we are deeply grateful to God that John was home, surrounded by family in the days and hours leading to his passing and at the time he took his last breath. A man has never been more loved by his family than John Moore and due, in such large part, because he taught us well and loved us well. The great affection he fostered among us kept us all close, living life together and laughing, particularly at him. He was the star of the family and could hold the floor like no one else. We were audience to continual stories and anecdotes retold with tremendous color, flair, and no little exaggeration. None of us has to wonder how he felt about us. We were told often how much he loved us.
His is a household name in Houston, Texas. Down any freeway in this city, you can still see the words “Call John and Get Moore” on plumbing trucks and most Houston residents could sing the jingle from the commercial in a heartbeat. He started John Moore Plumbing Company in 1965 with one set of tools in the back of a black van on Vogue Lane and, in his tenure, the company serviced 750,000 homes. The company was sold in 2004 but not until he’d managed to mark the plumbing industry in Houston with a gentleman’s handsome face and winsome way. His hospital room and home were graced continually by countless friends and business associates.
Born in Houston on January 8, 1934 to Marcell John Moore “Red” and Mary Moore, John loved this city and never lived a moment of his life outside the area. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Mary “Sue” Pereira Moore, whom he adored and constantly called “my bride.” Perhaps nothing conveys how lovely she was to him like the fact that he did not feel nearly so called to become a Catholic priest once he set his sights on her. Needless to say, his change in vocation from future priest to future king of plumbing is one to which we – his children – owe considerable thanks.
Alongside his wife, John was a devoted Catholic and his faith in Jesus Christ grew dearer and dearer to him. They were members of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Houston for many years then, after moving to the country beside their son and daughter-in-law, they became members of Saint Anne Catholic Church in Tomball, Texas. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ronnie Moore and Pat Moore and leaves behind one sister, Etta Heemer. John and Mary’s two beloved children, Marcell John Moore III (“Duke”) and Nalda Jean Moore Presnell each preceded him in death. Our consolation in the loss of a family man we can never replace is that he holds the two of them in his arms this very moment.
Left to recount endless stories about him are his son, Keith Moore and his daughter-in-law Beth Moore of Tomball, Texas, his daughter Tina Moore Carroll and his son-in-law John Carroll of the Woodlands, Texas, and his daughter Mary Moore Meadows and his son-in-law Mike Meadows of Waco, Texas. If it sounds like from our locations that leaving Texas would have been an almost unpardonable sin, we say with a grin that perhaps, then, you understand our family. We stick close. And we are so glad he insisted on it. John had no greater joy in his life than his six grandchildren, all of whom adored him. Tearful farewells were said to him by Amanda Moore Jones and her husband, Rev. Curtis Jones, Melissa Moore, Ben Meadows, Joe Meadows and his wife, Chauntell, John Taylor Carroll, and Hannah Carroll. Their tremendous attentiveness and help to their grandfather and grandmother enabled Hospice to oversee his care but primarily and confidently leave John in the hands of his family until the Lord took him home. John also had the privilege to love and be active in the lives of his two great-grandchildren, Jackson (9) and Annabeth Jones (6). He ended his life here having the joy and satisfaction of knowing that two more great grandchildren would be born into our family this year. We have smiled saying that God knew it would take the addition of two people to comfort us in the loss of the one big personality we will miss deeply.
We are grateful for the doctors and the nurses at Tomball Regional Hospital who knew him well from his many visits and loved him. We are also inexpressibly grateful for the last four years of his life spent in the fresh air of the country where he sat atop every conceivable John Deere on wheels and ruled the roost. These woods and neighbors will never forget him. We don’t plan to let them.
Here are a few random pictures of our branch of the Moore family with our beloved Big Pops:
This is one of my favorites because it captures both Keith and his dad’s expressions when Keith shows him a document that proves their ancestors were in Texas while it was still a Republic.
This one doesn’t show what a lovely woman Keith’s mother is but I had to include it because this is Big Pops taking completely over when we built our two houses out in woods so thick with vines and brush that we had to hack our way into it. He was in his absolute element overseeing the development of the houses and yards and water wells. Here with his blueprints.
Here he is with our Jackson not long after we moved in. We four generations were so blessed to do a tremendous amount of life together. Not many kids get to know their great grandparents as well as Jackson and Annabeth did. We consider it a gift beyond price.
Here with Annabeth the first year we lived in the woods:
With me on the gator. He took a gator ride seriously. The first two years we lived in the woods were dream years for us with him. His health stayed pretty stable and, as he had a natural God-given inclination to do, he ran the place. And we let him. He never got off the saddle of some kind of John Deere.
I love this one so much because it shows him a bit younger. This is Amanda with both her grandparents at her wedding. You can see what a beautiful woman Keith’s mom is in this picture. Not to mention that first grandchild in that wedding dress.
These next two are very recent. Big Pops with Melissa. Good grief, he was crazy about her. He loved his six grandkids to no end. Amanda and Melissa were his first two.
This last one is not the greatest picture but it is a classic. Amanda, the eldest grandchild, had the foresight to plan an evening for the grandkids to come over to his house and celebrate him. Lover of Ireland that he was, she chose St. Patrick’s Day, his all-time favorite. We knew he wouldn’t be with us for long. He was nearly on his deathbed even then. The grandkids told him their favorite memories with him and he reciprocated with stories of his own. It was the greatest night. We laughed our heads off and partied to high heaven. The only sad part is that two of the grandkids were missing with the flu. I hate that they weren’t part of this night. We will remember it forever. Ben (top) and Joe (left) Meadows, the young guys in this picture, are two of the finest young men I have ever known. The tender care these two gave their grandfather in his last days and hours and countless previous times was just astounding. They spent night after night in the hospital and at his home, holding his hand and tending to every conceivable need. Joe is a paramedic and he single-handedly enabled us to take care of our loved one with a minimum amount of oversight from Hospice over the last forty-eight hours. It was just family. A tremendously sacred time.
Thank you so much for indulging us. People process grief different ways. I mostly write. Well, and of late, play hymns on my new antique piano. I’ve never been more grief stricken over losing someone of such advanced years, even knowing it was coming. He was just such a force in our family. Such a wonderful handful of a man. He could be the biggest mess. So much fun. And he was good and ornery. Just one of those kinds of people who can never be replaced. I feel like a gigantic meteor hurled straight through these woods and left a huge, gaping hole. I had the privilege to be loved like a blood daughter to my father-in-law. Thirty-six years is some substantial bonding and, what it doesn’t provide, living right next door does. He told me continually how much he loved me. I would not have traded this exact father-in-law for all the stellar dads in the world. I will miss him every single day.
Beth,
So sorry for your loss. Will be praying for the family.
God bless.
Beth Moore,
Prayers being lifted up for your father’s passing in
your family. Memories will hold you all until you are reunited again. God bless you all God is our comforter.
John 14
Patty
Sorry to hear of the loss; but grateful to hear of the fullness you all received from what sounds like a giant of a man. I know that hearts are heavy we just don’t get spared that but you are fortunate to know the truth of life ever after Thank God you can all hold on to that.
Praying peace and comfort for the entire family; may we all comfort you and your family as you have done for us all these years.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family! He sounds like he was a remarkable man!
May you all receive comfort and peace as you travel through this valley!!
Dear Beth,
Thank you for sharing these precious photos and treasured memories with us. I join with many in praying for you and your family. May God continue to comfort each of you and provide His joy and peace.
In His Love,
Emily
Beth and all of your family,
I am so sorry about your beloved patriarch’s passing. What beautiful words you wrote to describe his wonderful spirit and your family’s love for one another. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Beth, Keith and all of the Moore family,
I send heartfelt sympathy for such a great loss to you and your family. I understand the grief and my heart goes out to each of you. But I praise God that He is with Jesus now and completely healed! I am praying for God’s peace and love to surround you each during this sad time of saying goodbye for now. Love you much Beth and appreciate your love and service to our Lord! God Bless!
And love to all!
Dannielle
Dearest Beth (Sister in Christ),
Sending you the biggest hug! Though your dearest dad/grandffather is JOYOUSLY welcomed into Heaven, it sure is tough for those left behind…
Beth,
Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. What a privilege to have known and loved so well! Praying for you and your entire family as you go through this difficult time. May God grant you His peace and comfort!
Love to you all.
Wendy
Dear Beth and Family,
As Heavens gates opened to welcome such a loved man home I pray for God’s comfort and peace to be with each of you. I have loved hearing stories of this wonderful family man and know that he will be greatly missed! God Bless you all! Much Love and Hugs!
I a,m so very sorry for your loss. May God shine a light in front of each one of you as you walk this path of grief. I love the tribute you wrote. May each of you feel the blessings of his love and memories in the coming days, weeks ahead.
Dear precious Moore family, So very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your dear memories with us. Makes me feel like I knew him. Praying for the loving arms of our heavenly Father to embrace all of you, and especially Mrs. Moore. Blessings, Peggy
This is so sweet and special. My husband and I are in our mid-thirties and until Labor Day of this past year, had the joy of all 4 grandparents still living – for a total of 8 between us! My husband’s grandma passed away but we still go see our remaining 7 grandparents as often as we can. This blog just soooo resonates in me and reminds me of “Inheritance.” What joy in this spiritual legacy from “John” down to all the many family members. Love love love, crying with you all, Keri.
Prayers being lifted up for your family, please be assured of that! God bless you all with His comfort and His peace!
Beth and Family,
Oh how my heart is hurting for you. I am so sorry about the loss of your precious Father-in-law. May the Lord make His nearness so palpable to each of you. I’m thankful for all the memories you have. Heaven will be even sweeter.
-Leah
i’m so very sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family at this time.
morgen
Beth ; I’m praying for your family in this time of grief, may God give you his comfort and love in this time. hugs from an atlanta siesta sister
I am so very sorry for your loss, I know how very hard it is, I lost my 80 year old sister on May 17 th. We will lay her to rest tomorrow.
This would be devastating for me but for my faith in Jesus and you have played a big part in leading me back to Him. Thank you and may God bless you and your family at this time of loss.
Your sister in Christ
Georgia
What a beautiful tribute. My condolences to you and your family. May God shower your father-in-law with sweet blessings in heaven!! Amen Amen
Dearest Beth and family,
As the moments and days go by may our Comforter draw each of you nearer. In His time may the meteor sized hole that you feel my your father-in-love’s passing from this life to Heaven be filled with the abundance of family memories you’ve shared. Lifting you and yours in prayer. With Sympathy.
Beth,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. He sounds like a wonderful man. You and your family were greatly blessed to have had him so many years. May God hold each of you very close over the coming weeks and months.
Love in Christ,
Linda
Beth, I am so sorry for the loss of obviously a man that was loved beyond measure. What a gift you have given to all who loved him with the beautiful words you have written about his life. God bless you all during this very difficult time.
Dear Beth,
Our hearts go out to you and dear Siesta Sister, we understand. We have lost 3 of our 4 parents and it’s just not easy no matter how advanced in years they are or how expected their passing is. Thank you for sharing your father-in-law with all of us. It is evident that he was an incredible man as well as a loving daddy and grand-daddy! God bless you and your family as you grieve the loss of your loving patriarch.
Sending love and hugs to you and your family,
Hillary and Bob Humberson
Beth,I’m so sorry for your loss. No amount of preparation can prepare us emotionally to lose someone who is such a force in our lives. I’m so glad you had that kind of love.
Beth my condolences to you on the loss of a Great Father in law.. We are experiencing that gaping hole in our heart as well. We lost our 17 yr old son to a garden tractor accident in April..We know what you are going through..Jesus is helping us get through these rough days through his strength and comfort.. Praying for the family..
i am so so sorry for your loss. my prayers are with your family
Dear Beth and Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of someone you loved so much.
This quote has helped me through many losses;
“Though you’ve lost someone you cared for, you’re never far
apart, for you’ll always be together in a place inside your heart.”
Love and prayers,
Phyllis Davis
Temple, TX
Lovely eulogy in print. I feel like I know him. I am bettered for having net your dad in print! God took the shackles off his feet so he can dance!! Love you, Moore family!
Dear Beth and Family,
Thank you for sharing your heart and the joy of your wonderful father-in-law. I will pray for each of you as you grieve the loss of your man after God’s own heart. May your own hearts heal and may your joy be in the promised reunion in heaven.
God Bless,
Martie Carter
Belton, Texas
What a beautiful tribute, Beth, one in which, I’m sure, the whole family is proud. I’m deeply sorry for the tremendous loss in your family, and will pray a double portion of God’s spirit be felt in his stead. God and His peace be with you all during this time of grief. Love from a grateful student.
Devery
To Beth and all of the more family there are ample words you’ve tried your best to explain but we can see it best in your photos in your eyes the love that was deep in tender there were no words that were needed. So much love to the Moore family children and extended family and God bless you for lifting him into the arms of Father( powerful powerful) God bless you all
Wonderful in-laws are a blessing! A they are blessing greatly missed when God calls them home. Sending John’s family Moore kind of prayers being lifted for you all tonight. Praying for God to impart Moore than enough peace to provide rest! Until you meet again. God will walk with each of you Moores just as He walked with John every step of this life. John was both of my grandfather’s name. John in Hebrew means: Jehovah has been gracious!
Beth and Keith:
So very sorry about the loss of Keith’s dad. He sounds like a wonderful man. Sending love and prayers!
Beth and family, so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. May God comfort ypu st this time with His grace and peace.
Praying for your family, Beth.
Beth and Family
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Moore sounds like a wonderful man! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pamela
Beth and Keith,
I am praying for you comfort in the days ahead. knowing the loss of dearly loved and beloved family members I can share in this feeling of great loss. Having the gift of blessed memories is so precious. I can remember hearing a little of Keith’s dad in the last study we had with our ladies group. He sounded like a truly beautiful man. One day we will all be together seeing our sweet Jesus face to face. What a day that will be.
We serve a faithful loving Heavenly Father. He sees your grief and loss…..He would remind you, Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Praying for the void in your life to be filled with an extra portion of peace and love.
Sending love to my sister in Christ,
Peggy Foreman
Thank you. Your sharing of grief allows all of us to feel the same way for our losses at one time or another. It makes me remember my grandparents and my Nana especially who was a super star in my life. Blessings and deepest sympathy, In Christ, Marcia
Sweet Keith and Beth,
We are so sorry for your loss. I will never forget the time you all were gone and Sonny got sick and we took him to the animal hospital. I could not get a hold of you so I called Keith’s Dad. He showed up to the clinic in a matter of minutes and pulled out his credit card and told the vet to do whatever he needed to keep this dog alive. He said this dog means everything to my daughter-in-law. That’s what Dad’s do for their kids! We love and miss y’all! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Beth, I am praying for the Lord to sustain your daughters. There is something different about the loss of a Granddaddy, I know that full well. A love so deep that only when we see Christ and our grandparents in heaven will our hearts be fully healed of the emptiness. It is a special place we knew was held and reserved in our Opa’s heart just for us granddaughters. I am so happy for you to have built a home beside them. With grandparents in the lives of children they feel a completed love. I always knew what my Grandfather expected of me, just by the tone of his voice, which in turn made me very attentive to Christ. In my situation the family took over my grandparents estate and the property was sold; for me remains a further sadness that I did not get to live in the home I grew up in. You have done the very best thing possible. Take good care of each other. Blessings
Beth,
I am very sorry to hear about your earthly loss. This makes heaven so much sweeter from an earthly perspective. Know that you and your family are loved and prayed for frequently and especially at times like these. I love you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that God will wrap you in His arms and give you an extra portion of his peace and comfort.
Lisa
Sweet Beth, we were so saddened to learn of the passing of your precious Daddy-in-Love. We ran into Steve, Bonita & Vicky after the viewing Wednesday night and they told us. You’re right about the John Moore jingle! Roger (who did not grow up in the Houston area) had it memorized within days of moving here! HA! He would always sing it every time we saw one of the trucks! I know you all will miss him greatly. I, with you, am so happy that you were able to spend so much time with him before his passing … the memories of that time will always be something you will have to cherish. We love you so much and will be praying that God’s incredible love and comfort will surround you, Keith and your precious family.
Praying for you all! A wonderfully written testimony of love. The deeper the love, the greater the loss. May our loving Savior hold you all tenderly during your time of grief.
Thank you for sharing your family and extended family with me. 🙂
What a beautiful tribute! I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you right now with tears in my eyes…..
So sorry for your loss, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Until you you see him again…
Beth & The Moore Family – I have loved Beth for several years now through her amazingly written Bible studies & conferences. Now I think I’ve fallen in love with her father-in-law through this beautifully written eulogy 🙂 What a wonderful legacy! I pray the Lord we love and serve will comfort you all during this time of such tremendous loss. Love, your Siesta Sister, Yvonne