Tribute to John Moore, Class of 1956

This is a tribute to John Albert Moore, Class of 1956, who would have been 76 years old on Wednesday, May 21 if he were alive. 

He passed away April 1, 2013, in Towson, Maryland. He was born May 21, 1938 to William and Leona Snowden Moore of Worthington.

From Beth Pritchard Brooks, Class of 1978, who lives in Worthington when she’s not traveling with her husband, Richard Brooks, to his job sites around the country:

“John,

“My Uncle Jim McDaniel would like if you could post these 2 pictures of him and John Moore, who recently passed away, in your alumni blog.  The first was taken in 1944 when they were young kids and the next one was taken around 2008.  They were life-long friends.  

"Wednesday, May 21 would have been John's birthday and he would like to do this in honor of his friend. 

“Jim McDaniel, Class of 1960, and John Moore, Class of 1956.  I'm sure he would appreciate it. 

“Thank you so much for all you do for the Alumni of Monongah High!

“Beth Brooks”

John Moore and Jim McDaniel had been friends for 70 years. 

I know what that’s like because Bob Kasper of South Lyons and Presque Island, Michigan and I, both Class of 1950, have been friends since first grade at Sts. Peter and Paul School, which covers 76 years. 

I visit Bob aka Satch at his Grand Lake, Michigan summer home and he visits me at my Tallmadge, Ohio home and we go to Mountaineer Field for a WVU game every year.

John & Jim and Bob & I are not that unique, either.

Doris Carpenter Rogers, Class of 1971, daughter of Iris Carpenter, Class of 1950, and Sue Ahouse Schrader, Class of 1971, have been friends since second grade even though Sue lives in Piscataway, New Jersey, home of Rutgers University, and Doris lives in Charleston, home of the governor and State Legislature.

Friendships that span seven decades are special. But not that rare for Monongah High, which holds a special place in all our hearts, even though the last class graduated in 1979.

And yet, 35 years after the final graduation class, Monongah High alumni will gather again for another MHS Reunion, Saturday, May 24 at the Knights of Columbus on Mary Lou Retton Drive in Fairmont to stoke memories of their days as Lions. 

If you haven’t made your dinner-dance reservation, Wednesday, May 21 is your last day to do it. Call Linda Lopez Gandy at (304) 534-5248 or Donna Davis at (304) 534-5636.

It’s a beautiful thing, friendships that last a lifetime.

We won’t say farewell to John Moore, just enjoy your afterlife till we join you.