Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Nov. 7, 1946-Dec. 11, 2023

Stephen Moore was born in November of 1946 in South Bend, Indiana, and spent his early childhood in Jackson, Michigan before the family relocated to reside in Niles, Michigan in 1950.
Steve attended Central Elementary and Junior High Schools before graduating from Niles Senior High School in 1964. From 1964 to 1968 he was a student at the University of Michigan, working summers at Hunziker’s Landscape Nursery in Niles. After receiving his BA degree and teaching certificate, he joined the faculty of Orchard View High School in Muskegon, Michigan.
Steve served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972. Upon completion of Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he was awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal for the display of outstanding qualities of leadership best expressing the American spirit — honor, initiative, loyalty, and high example to comrades in arms. He received Advanced Individual Training at the Military Police School in Fort Gordon, Georgia, and proceeded to his permanent duty station with the 110th MP Platoon at Kelley Barracks, 7th Corps Headquarters, near Mohringen, Germany.
He returned to teaching in Muskegon, receiving his Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University during that tenure. While at OVHS he taught Latin and U.S. History, managed day-to-day operation of the library media center and audio-video services, was advisor to students enrolled in Individualized Study Projects, and participated in formal & informal school improvement initiatives. In 1995 Steve retired to do care-giving for family members.
A direct descendant of Orin D. Snow, one of Berrien County’s early settlers, Steve maintained an interest in genealogical pursuits and was able to generate a detailed history of the Moore family back to 1840. He also undertook special research projects and eventually became sole custodian of a singular archive of private and public papers regarding the early 20th century concert pianist, Della Thal.
Steve had a great love for the out-of-doors, enjoying hiking, camping, canoeing, road trips to rural destinations, and he kept close the memories of growing up at the family’s cottage on Birch Lake near Vandalia, Michigan.
Other interests included reading; antique and classic automobiles of the 1940s and 1950s: open-air markets for antiques & collectibles; keyboard music; landscape design; architecture; foreign languages; and small home construction.
Steve always tried to maintain a generosity of spirit in deeds and in sharing of treasure. He hoped he was viewed as an earnest student, a person of strong work ethic, honesty, and truthfulness; one who kept a level head in difficult circumstances and made thoughtful decisions; an individual who would lend a helping hand as he was able; a person of patience, perseverance; a lover of nature & of animals,; a neighbor who maintained an orderly household; a fellow who made effort to be healthy in mind & body; and someone with a great sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence E. (Dinty) and Lorna C. Moore; by his esteemed workplace associate, Alberta Heath, of Muskegon, Michigan, and by life-long friend, Tom Brown.
Surviving relatives include brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Helen Damon Moore; a niece, Laura Damon-Moore and husband James Burling; a niece, Stephanie Damon-Moore; cousins Karen (& Edward) Thompson; Kent (& Barb) Hunziker; Anne (& John) Assiff; Mike (& Gail) McBride.
Surviving as well are Tom’s wife, Lynda Brown of Clare, Michigan; professional colleague and special friend, Jan Agard Saxe; and Char Fredrickson (John), of Norton Shores, whose contributions and support at Orchard View High School rendered Steve’s efforts more effective and successful.
The family of Steve Moore will receive relatives and friends from 2 until 4 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. The Visitation will conclude at 4 p.m., with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard. Committal will be private at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Contributions in memory of Steve may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.
www.halbritterfunerals.com