Ransom Joseph Moore
Ransom Joseph "Joe" Moore was born Feb. 27, 1922, at Colorado Springs, Colo., to Ray and Ruth Moore.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Edith (Peg) and brothers Don and Dean.
Survivors include his sons, Brian and Ransom; daughters-in-law, Deborah and Elizabeth; granddaughters, Shannon, Jennifer, Erin, Tracy, Robyn, and Kylle; and grandson, Walter Ransom.
By the time he was four, Joe's family left Colorado and moved to Cottonwood Falls. There he passed his childhood and ultimately met his lifelong mate of 58 years, Edith Sampson of Strong City, just across the river and around the bend — a stone's throw away — from Cottonwood Falls.
Joe served 24 years on active duty in the Air Force as a B-24, B-50, and B-52 navigator, with various stints as navigator instructor, missile operations instructor, and airborne launch, missile operations officer.
Called to duty shortly after the onset of World War II, he began his military career as an infantry soldier in the 103rd Infantry Division.
It was not long before Joe heard the call of the wild blue yonder and volunteered for the Army Air Corps. After training he was assigned to the 90th Air Bombardment Group, the "Jolly Rogers," and fought in three major Pacific air campaigns (New Guinea, Philippines, and Japan) for which he received the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Returning from war, he began his college career at the University of Colorado in Boulder where his eldest son, Brian, was born in 1946.
Recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict, Joe served as an instructor at Mather Air Force Base and at Ellington Field, where his youngest son, Ransom Jr. was born.
He continued his college education during his free time and completed his BA in education in 1956.
After tours at Yokota AFB, Japan, Griffis AFB, Rome, N.Y., Vandenberg AFB, Lompoc, Calif., and Minot AFB, Minot, N.D., he retired from military life in April 1970.
Soon after, he began a new life as a middle school earth science teacher at Mebane, N.C. That was not to last, however, as his heart yearned for California.
Moving to San Jose in 1973, Joe again taught middle school and obtained master's degrees in both education and counseling from San Jose State University.
Preferring to spend his retirement in Sacramento, he found a retirement career waiting for him in real estate. He hung his hat with several local offices, the last of which was the firm of Artz and Cook.
During his retirement, he continued his participation in the local Shriner organization, attaining his 32nd degree.
He also continued his lifelong commitment to the military with participation in and leadership of various organizations including the Military Officers Association of America, serving as the local branch's vice president in 2002-03. He also was a leader in his WWII bomb group alumni organization and hosted local "Jolly Rogers" reunions in addition to attending the reunions held around the country until the infirmities of age made it too difficult for him to travel.
Beyond all that, he was a constant presence at the Mather Golf Course, both before and after it became a Sacramento County course. Many, no doubt, will remember him as a fair-minded marshal, carting about the links.
Joe will be missed by many; but in leaving us he will find reunion with his beloved Peg in the eternal.
He wishes to thank his friends for their love and loyalty over the years and bid them farewell.
"Love ya, Joe. See you later."
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in California.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Marion Cemetery with Pastor Rick Branson officiating.
Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion, is in charge of graveside arrangements.
— paid obituary
