Donald Moore

Donald Leroy Moore / Papa Don / Don Moore Excavating Donald Leroy Moore was born on April 7, 1936 in Huntington Park California to Edgar and Vera Moore. He was a loving and cherished Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend to many…. many people. Don passed away peacefully with his wife of 66 years and the love of his life Fran, and many of his large family at his side on Thursday September 3rd, 2020. He is survived by his wife Fran, his daughters DeeDee and Jan, sons Donny and Mike, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a growing number of son’s & daughter in-laws. Don’s family was always his number one priority and he lived and breathed through every single one of them every day of his life. In 1954 Don and Fran married at 18 years old in Southern California. Their teenage love affair has truly been a classic and that fire burned to his last moment. Fran loved and treated Papa like a king… and he reciprocated with a lifetime commitment of all things and particularly her cooking. The only thing that could get Don in trouble was his constant adoration of her….he would not stop until Fran threatened him….causing Papa Don to show his signature ‘shit eating grin’…..melting her heart…..and cleanly getting away with all of it! In 1961 they moved their family to a small community called Rough & Ready in Northern California. They quickly established deep roots in the community though their Catholic faith and support of their children in school and sports. In 1983 they moved to Dillon MT and immediately became deeply ingrained in their new community. In both places Don pursued his passion of raising animals…. he tried all of them from milk cows to poultry, swine, and sheep. Everyone knew Don and Fran across the region and likely had a long and interesting conversation with Don. He loved people and getting to know everyone he met. He loved telling stories. He was known for his business and always wore his hat “Don Moore Excavating”. Don owned and operated the business which was his passion and love for 50 years between Grass Valley and Dillon. To Papa Don…. it wasn’t about the excavating but about the people he met and relationships he made with everyone he came across. Papa Don Moore will be missed …. Missed by his loving wife Fran, his family, his communities and huge number of friendships developed over 84 years over everyone who crossed his path. God Bless and keep you Papa Don…