William O Moore

William 'Todd' Moore

William O. "Todd" Moore, 100, passed from this Earth on Friday (Aug. 4, 2006) in North Newton. He was born on Dec. 24, 1905, near Hatfield, Ark., to Moody Zachary and Cory Metalis Moore. He attended country schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Todd's dad died at an early age, forcing him to help support his family prematurely. Raised to be a farmer, he loved the soil and the enjoyment of watching crops, vegetables and trees grow. When he left the farm, he entered the field of law enforcement, and for 20 years, he worked in Greer and Texas counties in Oklahoma.

He was chief of police in Guymon from 1961 to 1965. Deteriorating eyesight and loss of hearing forced him to seek other employment, but he maintained his interest in law enforcement.

In 2003, he was honored for 40-year membership in the Oklahoma Sheriff's and Peace Officers Association. His work ethic of giving a full day's work for a full day's pay helped him survive the change.

His chief enjoyment after retirement was gardening, caring for his yard and repairing his tools.

On Sept. 8, 1925, he married Ruby Benis Pence in Reed, Okla. She died April 9, 1937. They had four children - Bobbie June, William Douglas, R.A. and Jo Nell.

He and Mattie Katherine "Peggy" Moore were married on June 1, 1939, in Hammon, Okla. Two sons - Samuel Alfonso and Pat - completed the family.

Todd became a Christian at the age of 19 and remained a faithful follower of Christ. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Guymon, Okla. He was a faithful and loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. "Pappy Todd" was adored by all who knew him. We fearlessly relinquish him to his Heavenly Father, who has faithfully met all his earthly needs and will continue to meet his heavenly needs.

He also was preceded in death by two sons, William Douglas Moore and R.A. Moore; a son-in-law, Calvin Mitchell; brothers Alfonso Moore and his wife, Edna, and Bonnie Moore; half-brothers, Floyd Dudley Brown and wife Lola, and Woodrow W. Brown and wife Elva Ruth.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Peggy; two daughters, Bobby June Mitchell of Guymon and Jo Nell and husband Jim Thornton of Pawhuska, Okla.; daughter-in-law, Hilda Moore of Magnum, Okla.; two sons, Sam Moore and wife Verna of LaHabra, Calif., and Pat Moore and wife Susan of Hesston; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Guymon, with the Revs. Derek Cox and Odie Nunley officiating.

Interment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery under the direction of Henson-Novak Funeral Directors of Guymon.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials have been established with Cal Farley's Boys Ranch or the Oklahoma Baptist Children's Home in care of Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, Okla. 73942.