Walter W. Moore

In many ways, Walter Moore defined the meaning of devoted husband, dedicated father, treasured grandfather and great-grandfather, and a man devout to his faith. A true blessing, his generous spirit and warmhearted ways were an inspiration and gift to those who loved and cared for him. He was not only the foundation of his family, but a hard working man who will be long remembered and missed.

Walter's story began during the cold months of winter in the borough of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania set among the Appalachian Mountains. The son of Lucian and Mary Moore, Walter was born on February 8, 1920. His father was a hard working coal miner and his mother worked hard caring for their home and children. Walter was one of five children in the Moore household, and grew up alongside his siblings, Helen, Jean, Wallace, and Stanley.

Growing up in Mount Carmel during the struggles of the Great Depression was a great hardship for all. Although Walter enjoyed the adventures of childhood typical for the times, his parents instilled in him a hard work ethic which served him well his whole life through.

As a young man, Walter and his brothers set out on their own and moved to Detroit, Michigan in search of work. He worked for one of the auto companies in the Detroit area, and was eager to move on to the many new beginnings life had to offer. One of which included his sweetheart, Virginia. Love at first sight, Walter met Virginia while standing up at a friend's wedding. When he entered the home where the wedding rehearsal was to be held, he took one look at Virginia and was smitten from the start. They began dating, soon fell deeply in love, and before long became engaged.

Walter worked hard at his jobs, but with the onset of World War II, he felt the call to duty. Enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corp, Walter was a flight engineer, serving in the 8th Air Force, the 44th Bomb Squadron. He spent most of his military career stationed in England. While on furlough from his duties, Walter and Virginia happily shared vows of marriage back home in Detroit. He completed his tour of duty and returned home to Virginia's awaiting arms following his honorable discharge.

Back in Detroit, Walter went into police training and soon began serving as a dedicated police officer with the Detroit Police Department in January 1946. He provided a good life for Virginia, and in time was richly blessed with six children to love. Christine, Terri, Eileen, Marilyn, Ken, and Laura brought unmatched joy to their lives. As a family, they made memorable trips to Pennsylvania where Walter grew up, to the Jersey shore and enjoyed times with extended family.

Walter was a disciplined and orderly individual. Like his father before him, he was hardworking and set a wonderful example for his children to live by. He provided for his family well, and made weekly trips to the Eastern Market for groceries to feed his family. Walter and Virginia raised successful children of whom they could be proud.

Walter and Virginia were lifelong active members of St Suzanne Church in Detroit, MI. Their lives and the lives of their children were centered around their neighborhood church. Walter ushered at the 4pm mass every Saturday faithfully even after they moved to Canton in 1978. Eventually, as they aged and driving became more of a chore, they joined St Thomas a Becket Church in Canton. They were blessed with more friendships made at their new parish, especially their friends in the Stay 50 Group.

Walter retired as a Sergeant from the Detroit Police Department after 25 years of faithful service. He then went on to work security at Schoolcraft College for 15 years. Over the years, he and Virginia enjoyed get-togethers at the homes of friends and family, enjoying cookouts and playing cards, bus trips and luncheons with their many dear friends. Walter especially loved watching his grandkids play sports. An avid sports fan himself, he was a season ticket holder for the Lions in earlier years, taking in many games at Briggs Stadium, then the Tiger's Stadium, as well as the Silverdome. He especially enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Tiger's, play on TV at home.

Having paid close attention to his physical well-being, Walter was also an avid walker. He even belonged to a group of men who walked together on a daily basis. Among his various involvements, Walter belonged to several retirement groups. He was a member of the Detroit Police Choir Boys, and the Retired Lieutenant and Sergeants Association, and Detroit Police and Firefighter's Retirees. As a proud Veteran, he was a member of the VFW Post 1278 where he once served as commander for four years. In fact, for his 88th birthday, his children made it possible for Walter to have the opportunity to take a flight on a B-17 plane at Yankee Air Base which was, no less, a great thrill for him. Another thrill for him was going on the Honor Flight to visit the World War II Memorial.

Walter's life was enriched in countless ways. In turn, he was a true blessing to those around him. His memory will live on as a concrete foundation for which his family stands as his legacy continues on.

At the age of 93, Walter W. Moore, of Canton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Angela Hospice, surrounded by his many loved ones. For 70 years, he was a loving husband to his wife, Virginia, and is also survived as a beloved father to his children, Terri (Glenn) Moore, Marilyn (Blair) Gornowich, Kenneth (Diane) Moore, Laura (Ernest) Sommerville, and the late Christine and Eileen. He was the cherished grandfather of Matthew, Adam, Jeffrey, Douglas, Philip, Lukas, Bradley, Daniel, Paul, and Jillian and great-grandfather to Gabriel, Isabelle, Sophia, William, and Nathan. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Helen and Jean; and brothers, Wallace and Stanley.

Walter's family will receive friends at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Road (between Sheldon and Canton Center Roads), Canton, Michigan onMonday from 5-9 PM, and Tuesday from 2-8 PM with a Scripture service at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 10:30 AM St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 Lilley Road, (south of Cherry Hill), Canton, Michigan where he will lie in state at 10:00 AM until the Mass begins. Interment at St. Hedwig Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Angela Hospice in Livonia, MI. To share a favorite memory and photo of Walter, and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.neely-turowski.com.