Jess Eugene Moore

Jess Eugene Moore, age 97, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Lewisville, Texas.

Born in Jamestown, Texas, he was a native Texan and spent his life in the state he loved.

His early years were spent in Tyler, Texas, before his parents moved the family to Galveston,

where Jess graduated from Ball High School. Soon after, his parents moved to Dallas, and he

enrolled at Texas Christian University (TCU) and served in the Naval Reserves. He decided to

study geology after some friends told him about the field, and paid for his education by driving

taxis and doing other odd jobs.

It was at TCU in 1947 that he met the love of his life, Janet Trucksess, when she offered to hold

his cold hands in her mittens! Those mittens helped lead to their marriage in Herndon, Virginia,

on September 8, 1951. And he remained an ardent TCU supporter for the rest of his life.

After they married, they moved back to Fort Worth, where Jess earned his B.S. in geology. They

then moved to Midland, Texas, where he had a job with Pure Oil Company, and they started

their family, having three girls within five years! In 1957, they moved to Shreveport, Louisiana,

where their son was born, but soon returned to Midland to raise their kids. It remained their

hometown for more than 60 years.

Jess began working for himself as a consultant geologist in the 1980s and was called to be on

the road at drilling sites for most of his career. At one point, he also opened a store selling coins

that he had collected. But geology was his life calling, and he would regale anyone who would

listen with his knowledge of geologic formations!

As much as he had going on, he worked even harder at being a dad. He attended many of the

myriad activities that four kids generate, serving as a PTA president, a baseball coach, a recital

supporter, a player of family games, a homework helper, and a great creator of Halloween

costumes! He also worked with his son to build three soapbox derby cars in as many years.

Where Janet was outgoing, Jess was quieter, but his sense of humor and laughter would

brighten a room, and together their laughter could raise quite a racket! They had numerous

friends with whom they socialized and traveled. Jess and Janet traveled around the U.S and to

several countries, but they both particularly loved Hawaii and its volcanoes, and snow skiing

with friends and family in Colorado and New Mexico.

Jess was a kind person with a soft spot for children. He had strong opinions and a stubborn

streak a mile long, but would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He spent many

years as a member of the Midland Lions Club, serving as its president and helping obtain

eyeglasses for children and others. He also loved music and singing—he sang with a barbershop

group for several years and supported the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas for the last ten years.

In their later years, Jess and Janet moved to the Dallas area to be closer to their kids, eventually

settling into assisted living as life slowed down. They remained together for 73 years until

Janet’s death at 94 on Feb. 19, 2025.

Jess was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jesse Moore and Theresa Alice Buchan

Moore; and his brother, Jerry John Moore. He leaves behind his children and sons-in-law,

Carolyn Moore (Darrel VanDyke), Sandy Steele (Guy Steele), Gayle Barrera (John Barrera), and

William (Bill) Moore; his grandchildren and daughter-in-law, Alexandra (Alex) Moore-VanDyke

(Erin Valley), Montie Steele, Helene Barrera, Cristina Barrera, and his niece Melissa Abcarian

and grand-niece Rachael Wilson.

He was a beloved brother-in-law and uncle to Janet’s family as well—her sisters, Lynne Irvine

and Esther Trucksess; sister-in-law, Mary Trucksess; and nieces and nephews, Lin Stillman,

Robin Trumbo, Eric Trucksess, Jane Truxess, Mark Trucksess, and their spouses and children.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Arcy Healthcare, who provided palliative and

hospice care to both Jess and Janet. Special thanks also to the caregivers and staff at The Pearl

Senior Living for their dedicated care and kindness over the last five years.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Scottish Rite Hospital, the Turtle

Creek Chorale, or a charity of your choice are welcome.