Mr. Jack Walter Moore has danced his dance….Moore passed away surrounded by loved ones this past September 15, leaving behind lots of his love, laughter, and courage in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. He and his beautiful wife, Cindy, celebrated a love story that spanned 63 years…and many inevitably found and celebrated their own love stories at the legendary Cowtown Dancehall, which the Moores and the Friesenhahns operated for over 15 years.
In fact, they proudly recall featuring Mr. George Strait himself at the Grand Opening when they purchased the venue. Locals recall many-a-story of the dancehall that originally opened in the 70’s.
The following eulogy was submitted by the Moore family:
Jack Walter Moore was born at home on August 27, 1940 to Ellis Crosby and Adela Jonas Moore. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on September 15, 2025.
He was the 2nd of 6 children. He was the father of 5, grandfather of 11 and great grandfather of 13. He was the husband of only one, his true love, our mom, Cindy Carolus Moore. They were married on June 16, 1962 in Mexico – that’s an interesting story all on its own. Just out of the Navy he got a job on June 6th and ten days later they drove to Mexico and got married – after he asked her grandmother if he could take her for a walk.
One of my favorite stories he shared of his childhood was watching the Lone Ranger. When he said “Hi Ho Silver Away” he and his siblings jumped up hollering and running excitedly. He said “mama was so mad she threatened to tell Daddy, but she never did. He wasn’t a coal miner’s daughter, but he did get a new pair of shoes each year when his dad sold a hog.
Jack attended 1st and 2nd grade at Leon Valley where his dad also went to school. Third through sixth grade he and his siblings went to school in Lytle and he attended 3 years at John Marshall High School before he joined the Navy. He was assigned to the USS Shangri-La and travelled to many places around the world during the Korean conflict. He sailed up and down the West & East coasts of the U.S. and then from Florida to England, spending more than 35 days at sea. He visited Japan, Taiwan, The Philippines, Chile, Italy, France, Spain and many other places. He was a good sailor and excelled at every task assigned to him. He wasn’t without mischief though… stories of stealing ice cream and frog legs meant for officers, a stay in the brig – once for 20 days because he was 3 days late coming back from leave – all entertained us for years. While in the Navy he earned $71 per month, half of which he sent back home, but since room and board were covered by the Navy all he had to worry about was money to play poker.
While in the Navy Jack first came in contact with asbestos. After his discharge he worked as a master mechanic for 45 plus years being further exposed to asbestos. While he was working to provide for his wife and family, he was being poisoned by people who knew better. In the summer of 2023 this led to him being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a disease you cannot beat. He fought a good fight though, enduring immunotherapy and clinical trials. He had numerous surgeries and too many blood draws & IVs to count during this time. Anyone who knew him was aware of his extreme dislike of needles. He bore it all with determination and bravery still trying to keep us upbeat and laughing through it all.
In 1992, our daddy had a heart attack which led to a lifestyle change. His motto became “if it tastes good spit it out.” The grandkids learned a new game called 50/50. When Papa ate a boiled egg, they split it 50/50. He took the “healthy” white part and they got the yoke. Each year on January 20th we celebrated Happy Heart Day – the day he survived that attack with the help of our mom and her healthy food changes. As soon as he was released by his cardiologist, he returned to work, and once again earned Technician of the Year. He was put on blood thinners after his heart attack and…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
