Nelson Moore

A kind and gentle man, Nelson Herman Moore, 86, of Sierra Vista, AZ died at Santa Rosa Care Center in Tucson, AZ of natural causes on February 19, 2024.

Nelson was born in Cleveland, OH on April 15, 1937 to Herman Dale Moore and Alta Rogers Moore. The Moore family moved to Kentucky in 1951 where his parents were Baptist missionaries. Nelson attended Magoffin Institute in Mountain Valley, KY, where he graduated at the age of 16.

After graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force, requiring the permission of his father due to his young age. While in the Air Force he served in Alaska as part of the DEW Line Project, which established the early warning radar system for the protection of the northern hemisphere from foreign invasion.

When Nelson completed his military service, he returned to Alaska living in Ft. Yukon and owned a general store, Ft. Yukon Trading Post, as well as serving as the local magistrate. He lived in Alaska for many years before moving to Seattle, WA where he owned the Ballard Super Market. After selling the market he became a real estate broker for Century 21.

Nelson was very active in every community he resided in. He was involved in the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, and Rotary Club as well as being politically active often writing to his local, state, and federal representatives expressing his views on many topics.

Nelson moved to Perry, FL to assist in caring for his aging parents. After the death of his parents he moved to Bisbee, AZ where he managed the Shady Dell Campground Resort. While living in Bisbee he suffered a debilitating stroke and was moved to Life Care Center of Sierra Vista, AZ, the place he considered home.

Nelson practiced Buddhism.

Nelson will always be remembered for his keen sense of humor and his love of life and his love of children. Despite losing his ability to verbally communicate, he made lasting friends and never lost his sense of humor or his zest for life, laughing freely and often. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Nelson was preceded in death by his father and mother, Herman and Alta Moore, his sister, Margaret Katherine Moore Kress, and brother-in-law Donald Kress. Nelson is survived by his sister Rachael Elisabeth Moore Spanjer (Rodger) of Ocala, FL, son, Jim Moore (Sherrie) of Barlett, IL and daughter Patty Kronz (Mark) of Aurora, OH, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Nelson is interred at Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, AZ.