Leslie Moor, Jr.

Leslie Millard Moor, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully in his Beaumont home on August 31, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. 

Les was born on May 5, 1931 in Beaumont, Texas to mother Eleanor O Brien Moor and father Leslie Millard Moor. Within a few years they welcomed sister Christine, completing their family.  He attended Beaumont schools and graduated from Beaumont High School, where he excelled as a scholar and athlete. Les then attended the University of Texas, where he pledged Phi Gamma Delta, was a member of ROTC, and received his degree in Chemical Engineering. Les married the first great love of his life, fellow UT student Ann Terrill, in 1953. They were transferred to Tachikawa, Japan with the US Air Force, where first son Leslie Millard Moor lll was born in 1955. After returning to the States, son Crisler Terrill was born in 1959.

Les began his career as an oil and gas engineer, rising quickly into management, where he focused on organizational development. He had the rare combination of an engineering mind paired with excellent communication skills, and he spent much of his life bringing order and understanding to those around him. He was a man of uncommon principles, integrity, dignity, and deliberation. 

These skills and traits were evidenced throughout his life, whether it was receiving his Masters from Drexel University in Philadelphia, working in various positions at Sun Oil, Gulf States Utilities, or Columbia Gas, captaining one of several boats he owned, serving at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Beaumont as Senior Warden, being instrumental in organizing the new construction of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rockport, or serving on the Board of Directors of San Jacinto Savings and Loan. All who knew him could appreciate his sterling character and strong moral fiber. Much of his devotion and patience was channeled into the loving care of his wife Ann, who faced health challenges throughout their marriage. A more devoted husband would be rare to find, and he was steadfast in his care until Ann’s death in 1999. His sons remember him as a patient father, who taught them many practical skills in life, and modeled for them what a strong, capable, and kind man is. He excelled at creating an atmosphere where everyone around him felt secure and respected.

Les counted himself to be a very fortunate man to have 2 great loves of his life, and he married lifelong friend Yvonne Lyle Craig Osborne in 2000. They made their home in Rockport, Texas, where they enjoyed cruising on their boat Seabird, sharing hospitality with beloved friends in their gracious home, and being active and engaged members of St. Peters Episcopal Church.  

Hurricane Harvey struck Rockport in 2017, and Les and Yvonne decided it was time to return to the place they both considered home, Beaumont. They made their new home at Calder Woods, and were so happy to come home to a place of many cherished memories, friends, and family. 

While it was difficult to say goodbye to such a beloved man, all who knew him agreed he led a rich life- full of purpose, meaning, and love. His imprint on this earth is deep and lasting. Those who mourn him include wife Yvonne Moor, sister Christine Sanders, son Leslie (Ezra) and wife Amrita, son Crisler and wife Yoko, grandchildren Cristin Moor, Ava Moor, Leslie Moor, Annie Moor and husband Dan Reitz and great granddaughter Ada Moor-Reitz, niece Christine Juckett and husband Howard Juckett, niece Katherine Evans and husband Steve Evans and their son Caelan, daughter and son-in-law Carolyn and Roane Ruddy, daughter and son-in-law Liz and Charlie Craig and sons Lucas and Ian, and son and daughter-in-law David and Valerie Craig and sons Drew and Matt. We offer gratitude to all the compassionate caregivers and hospice workers who have assisted Les and Yvonne, with special thanks to Criseline Yap.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the building fund of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1807, Rockport, Texas 78381, or to a cause of your choice. 

Mr. Moor’s memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 3rd, 2018, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware Street, Beaumont.There will be a reception to follow in the Parish Hall, hosted by the Magnolia Garden Club.Mr. Moor’s committal service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 3rd, 2018, at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.