Earl Houston Moore, Jr. was born on October 27, 1932, in Winter Haven, Florida, to Earl Houston Moore, Sr. and Freddie Mae (Hurd) Moore. He went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 23, 2023, in Oklahoma City.

Earl's family was involved in the fruit packing business in his hometown of Lucerne Park, Florida. As an only child, he helped his parents raise cows and chickens. His love for gardening and plants began at a young age as they gardened to make ends meet during the lean times.

Earl graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1950 and then attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. There he earned a degree in Citrus and Horticultural Science. While at college, he was required to join the ROTC where he discovered his interest in the military, leading to a long career.

After graduation, Earl was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserves in January 1955. He went to Officer Basic Training in June of 1955 and served actively for two years where he was assigned with the Military Police Company at Fort Mead in Maryland. After serving those two years, he was released from active duty and assigned to the inactive reserves. In the summer of 1957, he went home to Florida to work at the University of Florida Citrus Experiment Station as a lab assistant.

Toward the end of August 1957, Earl went to the First Christian Church in Winter Haven with his dad. There, Earl first saw Evelyn Johnson singing in the choir and she again caught his eye in Sunday School. After asking several people who she was and only learning she was a "Johnson girl," he introduced himself and asked her out on a date. He always remembered that at the time, he only had two nickels in his pocket. On one memorable date, they went to the beach and had a picnic lunch of fried chicken and chocolate cake. They dated for 3 weeks before he asked her to marry him. They married on December 29, 1957.

Earl continued to work in the citrus industry, holding various jobs with the State Plant Board. In October of 1960, he responded to President Kennedy's rebuilding of the Armed Forces by applying to return to active duty. He was accepted. He worked as a commander in various MP companies and Battalions in the US as well as international assignments in Korea, Vietnam, Okinawa, and Germany. He retired as a Colonel from the Army in July of 1981 and then moved to Oklahoma City.

Deciding to pursue a career in technology, Earl enrolled at OSU Tech and received an Associates Degree in Computer Programming in 1984. He was hired by DHS and worked there until he retired in 2002.

Earl was a loyal husband and father, always working behind the scenes to support his family. He loved to find ways to serve his family around the house. He supported his children with love and grace through many moves and challenges that came with a life of being in the Army. He helped them with school projects, car projects, and much guidance along the way. He rarely missed a musical performance, piano recital, or dance recital for his four granddaughters and four great-granddaughters.

Earl was a faithful member of St. Mark's Bethany Global Methodist Church, supporting this community through his presence and service in many ways through the years. He was intentional in supporting his family in their ministry with youth and children. He also served in the Emmaus Community for many years.

Some of Earl's interests over the years included tinkering with cars, participating in running events, and woodworking. Growing and eating the vegetables in his home garden was a passion throughout his life. He enjoyed traveling and visiting museums where he could view vintage cars, trains, and military aircraft. Among these interests, he was also a member of Masonic Lodge #36.

Earl was a selfless man who loved and served God, his family, and his country. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; a daughter, Beverly Ray (Brian); two sons, Kevin Moore and Bryan Moore (Shannon); four granddaughters, Christy Kiespert (Brian), Julie Haines (Josh), McKeely Moore and Kearsly Moore; and four great-granddaughters, Madison Haines, Melanie Haines, Kate Kiespert and Leah Kiespert. He will be dearly missed.

Memorials may be made to St. Mark's Bethany GMC, 8140 N. W. 36th Street, Bethany, OK 73008.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be 11am-8pm on Sunday with family present from 5-7pm. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, October 30 at St. Mark's Bethany GMC with interment to follow in Spring Creek Cemetery.