Claude J. Moore

Claude J. Moore of Stotts City, Missouri passed away peacefully at Cox Hospital in Springfield, with his family by his side on Sunday, December 30, 2018, at the age of 88.  
Claude Joseph McDowell Moore was born on November 19, 1930, in Dinsmore, Newton County, Arkansas.  He was the son of Jack and Stella Moore.  He married the love of his life, Colene Mitchell, on November 19, 1955, and together they raised six children whom they taught to honor and love family and the Lord.  He attended Stotts City Baptist Church and was converted on June 6, 1994.
Claude and Colene moved to Stotts City in August 1963 where they have made lifetime friends while raising their family and establishing their commercial cow-calf operation.  Claude was known as one of the best cow men that anyone ever knew.  He loved to go to the Joplin Regional Stockyards, talking cows and life with his many friends there.
Claude worked road construction in his early career and was a longtime member of the local road board and actively worked to improve road and bridge conditions.  One of his last achievements was being the first person to drive across the new Spring River Bridge located on Farm Road 2110 in 2017 after 40 years he spent trying to get it built.  His assessment, “They still didn’t do it right.”  
He is survived by his wife, Colene, of the home.  He is also survived by their children, Virginia Altis (Hal Nester), Jackie Moore, Judy Moore Wilson (Tracy Wilson), Joe Moore, Jeremy Moore and Jill Moore Stundebeck (Russ Stundebeck)  
He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, including: Mitchell Moore,  Jennifer Donley  (Joe), Chris Altis (Jessi), Amy Eldridge (Dustin), Bailey Moore (Tia), Skyler Moore (Ashlee), Robin Gaddis (Josh), Colby Wilson, Lane Wilson, Sydney Stundebeck, Makenna Stundebeck, Colten Stundebeck, Sawyer Stundebeck, Reese Moore, Pierce Moore and Charli Moore; 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Stella, his brother, Fred Moore, and five sisters, Elsie Barker, Flora Moore, Boonie Armer, Marie Parker and Jean Phillips, grandson, Jett Moore, great-grandson Cash Moore and daughter-in-law, Kristy Moore.
Claude is also survived by wonderful neighbors and friends who provided a helping hand and lasting friendship.  
A funeral service under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon was held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at the Church in Action in Mt. Vernon.  Burial followed at the Mt. Vernon IOOF Cemetery.  The family received friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, in the funeral home chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cash Moore Foundation or Stotts City Baptist Church Building Fund in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.