Patrick Lee Moore Sr.'s Obituary
Patrick Lee Moore, DDS, 82, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023, after a courageous fight against a degenerative neurological disease. A native of Arlington, Texas, Pat resided in University Park, Texas, as an active member of Park Cities Presbyterian Church since 1989. He is preceded by wives, Sally Buckley in 2004, and Linda Lester in January 2023, both claimed by cancer, and by his oldest brother, Tommy, in 2019. Pat is survived by son, Patrick Lee Moore, Highland Park, Texas; twin brother, Dr. Michael Moore, Heath, Texas; stepson, Jeff Lester and wife Emily Lester, University Park; stepdaughter, Leigh and husband, Nathan Lavato, Austin; and grandchildren, Maeve Moore, Sam Moore, William Lester, Sullivan Lester, Harper Lovato and Max Lovato. He is also survived by sister-in-law Patty Moore of Heath, sister-in-law Delores Moore of Granbury, cousin Beverly Sealy, of Fort Worth, TX, and nieces Deborah Clark of Vancouver, B.C., Canada; Patrice Moore, Heath; Kristie Hamann of Rockwall; Kelly Moore of Las Vegas and nephew, Tom Moore and wife Layne Moore of Lipan, Texas, and 10 Great Nephews.
Pat’s funeral service will be at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas on Wednesday, May 31 at 11am. Friends and Family are welcome to attend a gathering afterwards at the home of his son Patrick Lee and Hillary Moore for refreshments and discussions of fun memories of Pat’s colorful life.
The son of Woods and Virginia Moore, Pat was born on March 1, 1941, in Fort Worth, Texas, 30-minutes ahead of Mike, a loving closeness that lasted into their ninth decade. For many years, Mr. Moore kept the less-than-$100 hospital bill, often citing the delivery doctor’s charge of $25 for Pat and $5 for Mike. At the age of five the family moved to a 125-acre working farm south of Arlington, at that time a largely farming community of some 4,600, that later ended up being off Collins Road by Cowboys AT&T Stadium. The brothers’ childhood years were spent tending cattle, horses, chickens, and appreciating music, which came naturally. Virginia taught piano and Woods was a stellar trumpet player, graduating from Ithaca (New York) Conservatory of Music and forming his own long-time traveling band at age 20, before returning home, playing locally with dance bands and buying Ault Music Co. in Fort Worth.
Pat’s music gene led to greater things, first playing trumpet alongside Mike in the Arlington High School band, while improving his piano skill. As a sophomore, he began serious piano study at North Texas State College (UNT) under Bob Rogers, who spurred interest in improvisational jazz.
Pat became the Arlington Colts’ drum major during his senior year and graduated with Mike in 1959, enrolling that fall in Arlington State College’s (UTA) pre-dental program. There, Pat’s keyboard talent earned weekend jobs traveling throughout Texas with the Benny Buckner Band. He was accepted to Baylor Dental School, married to Sally in 1964, and continued playing in a jazz band through graduation in 1966. After graduation he returned to Arlington where he practiced dentistry for 35 years. In 1988 the family moved to University Park.
Beyond his family, Pat’s lasting dedication was to Park Cities Presbyterian Church. As a charter member, he served as a Session elder (2007-2011); Shepherding elder (2011-2022); and Elder Emeritus (2022); Pat was active for 20-years in Precepts Bible Study Class, always committed to serving Communion and teaching youth Sunday School. At PCPC, he met concert pianist, Stephen Nielson, with whom he studied for several years. Pat sang in the choir and served as its President for 20 years. It was in the choir that he met a new member, Linda Lester, who became the love of his life. They were married in 2006 and shared 17 of the best years of his life together. They continued a peaceful home and joyful choral lives at PCPC, making memorable choir trips to perform in the UK, Moscow and Switzerland.
Not to go unmentioned was Pat’s avid love of golf and the many strong friendships that came from 50 years of fun and competition at the golf course. In much of the last decade of his life Pat and his twin Mike would play 2-3 times weekly with very consistent constructive criticism coming from Pat’s quick wit leaving all involved shaking their heads and laughing. He loved golf and his friends.
Pat’s early affinity for animals sustained throughout as an avid lover of English Sheep dogs and finally, Murphee Margaret Moore, a playful Wheaton Terrier, forever at his side. Pat Moore will be fondly remembered for love of God, his piano mastery, wry humor and wit, generosity, love and allegiance to family, friends, and church. Pat played with his local jazz band into his mid 60’s and practiced daily on the second “Love of His Life” (his Steinway). He recorded a CD album: “When I Grow Up I Want to Play the Piano” And he did. Pat’s was a life well lived.
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