Sept. 12, 1932 — March 2, 2017
Alexander Kent “Alex” Moore, 84, of Granger, Indiana, passed away at Elkhart (Indiana) General Hospital on Thursday, March 2, 2017.
Alex was born Sept. 12, 1932, in the small town of Wortham, Texas, to the late Walter and Olive Lee (Bounds) Moore. His beloved mother, Olive, an exceptional school teacher, ingrained the importance of education into Alex from a young age. His grandfather, a staunch Methodist minister, instilled in him a strong faith in God. The U.S. Marine Corps embedded his patriotism and deep abiding love for our country.
After graduating from high school, Alex attended college and later joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He proudly served his country during the Korean War. After he returned from serving in Korea, Alex left his small Texas farm and the employment of the construction industry to procure a position in Niles with the Kawneer aircraft plant. Some of his proudest accomplishments were buildings and high-rise buildings he helped construct with Kawneer products. He drove his family to many of these sites to view his proud handiwork. From early childhood and throughout his life, Alex’s hard work ethic and unwavering perseverance naturally led to great business successes.

He ventured into residential and commercial real estate, which led to his opening a chain of burger establishments throughout southwest Michigan called Burger Chix and the once popular Yummy’s of Niles. He will always be fondly remembered for the Thomas Drive-in Restaurant. Summers were spent operating the concession stand with his wife and two children at Weko Beach in Bridgeman.
Several of Alex’s other proud business accomplishments included his ownership and operation of five agencies for North American Van Lines. Michiana Moving and Storage was located in Mishawaka, Indiana, and A. Moore Moving Services were located in Indiana and Kentucky. He was bestowed the highest title of honor by the Kentucky Commonwealth as a Kentucky Colonel. His real estate ventures became known as A. Moore Realty. The transportation businesses evolved into Derby Delivery, a distributorship for Amway Products to every city within Kentucky and southern Indiana. His final business endeavor was the construction and development of the Martin’s Shopping Center in Niles. The Martin’s Supermarket complex has been not only a major blessing to both Moore and his immediate family, but many other families employed at this popular shopping site.
Alex was a wonderful grandfather, father, husband and friend to all who knew him. His love for God and his family was shown through his everyday actions and personality. Alex was always the voice of reason, a true leader and someone who really made a mark on his community and the people who surrounded him. His word and handshake were as good as gold. His daughter will be forever grateful and blessed for the many sacrifices this great man made for her happiness and for so many others. Alex especially loved his two grandchildren, and they adored him. No love was greater than the love he shared with his “Sissy” and “Buddy.” Alex, or “Papa” as he was called by his grandchildren, received another loving nickname, “Shorty,” from his grandson when he passed Alex’s 6-foot frame. Alex was there for every possible and conceivable event, from his granddaughter’s Girl Scout dances, to his grandson’s trap shooting competitions. Alex had a passion for firearms and all things military, and was a craftsman, constantly building or repairing things around the house or in one of his work areas.
He wed Sandra (Wilson) Carr at a ceremony in Niles on Dec. 18, 1970. They shared 47 years together as husband and wife and enjoyed many more incredible moments as wedded partners, while working as a team to make their dreams come true.
Alex is survived by his wife, Sandra Marlene Moore of Granger; daughter Carla Lee Carr-Scarberry of Granger; and two cherished grandchildren; Sloan Delany Moore Carr-Scarberry and Jarret Liam Moore Carr-Scarberry both of Granger. He was preceded in death by a son, Allen Dee Carr.
A time of visitation will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at St. John’s United Church of Christ. Services will begin at 1:30 p.m., with Masonic Rites by the St. Joseph Valley Lodge 4, F. & A.M. followed by a funeral service with Pastor Ray Fulbright officiating. The service will conclude with military honors offered by the U.S. Marine Corps. Alex’s wish was to be laid to rest in his hometown cemetery of Wortham.
Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.