Donald Leon Moore, 94
Donald Leon Moore, 94, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Hearthstone Village in Kootenai, Idaho.
Private family services have been held.
On May 23, 1927, Don was born in Pasadena, California, to William and Julia (Summerfelt) Moore. He grew up in Pasadena, and once he got his driver's license, he could be found riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his brothers and friends. After finishing his schooling in 1945, he served in the Merchant Marines for two years, on board a ship transporting material, and working in many ports worldwide, including China and Japan.
On May 16, 1947, Don married Ester Mae Rockel in Pasadena. Initially, he worked as a pipe fitter in Arcadia. He was often inside large concrete pipe sections as they were fitted together to ensure they were correctly connected. This was only temporary work as he later applied to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Don was hired as a fireman and worked at the Los Angeles County Fire Department station in Glendora. Working up the ranks to engineer and then captain, Don finished out his 39-year career at the Los Angeles County Fire Department station in Palace Verdes.
Don and Ester retired to Sandpoint in 1975, buying a farm with 75 acres of timbered land. Not one to sit still for very long, he could be found raising chickens, pigs, and cows, tending a large garden with several fruit trees, and restoring wood furniture. He often referred to himself as a "jack of all trades, master of none.” In the early 1980s, Don and Ester opened the Korner Video store on Highway 95 in Sagle. They rented out movies and Nintendo video games until 2000 when they sold the business to their long-time employee Lynnae Reed.
Don spent many hours working on his family history, stitching together information about his ancestors, primarily focusing on the Moore family in Kentucky in the early 1800s. Don enjoyed walking several miles a day throughout the years, often joined by family, friends, and neighbors.
Don is survived by his daughter, Judy (David) Hatch of Sandpoint; son, John (Doreen) Moore; three grandchildren, Cary (Yvette) Hatch of Sandpoint, Bryce (Tawnya) Hatch of Bakersfield, California, and Jennifer O'Neil of Deer Park, Washington; seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ester, two sisters, and three brothers.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Don’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.