Milton Carl Moore, 80, Springfield, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born July 28, 1944 to Carl and Mildred Hjelm Moore in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Milton graduated from Central High School in 1962, St. Joseph Junior College in 1964, Northwest Missouri State University in 1967 and later earned his master’s degree at the University of Central Missouri.
He married Judy Matthews in 1967. He later married Judith Perryman in 1989.
Milton’s love of farming started with his parents and brother in 1958 and continued his entire life. He learned his carpentry skills as a young man traveling to Clay Center, KS where he framed houses with his uncle. He began his teaching career at Smithville High School in 1967. He then taught drafting and design at Hillyard Technical Center from 1971-1999. Milton was very passionate about taking students to state and national competitions for Skills USA, formerly Vocational Industrial Clubs of America.
In his “spare time” Milton kept busy by helping people. Milton never turned down a request for help. When he wasn’t in the classroom he removed snow, topped trees, built decks, roofed houses, and helped friends move just to name a few. He also worked for American Family Insurance as an adjuster, Altec, Vieco Construction Inc., Maysville Truss Co, among others. After “retirement”, he continued to teach at various locations.
He was an elder and an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church & Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he served on multiple committees. He developed lasting friendships through the fellowship at both churches.
He voluntarily joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1970 and completed Army basic training in 1971 as an enlisted soldier. He graduated from Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the summer of 1973.
Milton enjoyed gardening on a very large scale. There was always more food than they could use, which led him to generously donate to friends, family and those in need. Milton also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He liked to hunt deer and be outdoors. No matter what he was doing he always enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge with others.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Judith; brother, Jim Moore (Julie); daughter, Kate Viestenz (Paul); son, T.C. Moore (Steph Hart); Kathy Hodges (Barry) and Bob Perryman (Delynn); grandchildren, Karrie Pusateri (Tom), Kellie Dushner (Mike), Lauren Fedrizzi (Joe), Jack Viestenz, Nick Viestenz, Elizabeth Perryman, and David Perryman (Brooklyn); 7 great-grandchildren and 4 nieces.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends for visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations can be made at Nodaway Valley Bank to the “Milton Moore Memorial Fund”, which will benefit students in need at Hillyard Technical Center, or to Phoenix Hospice in Springfield, MO.
