Michael Forrest Moore

Michael “Mike” Forrest Moore, age 88, passed away April 15, 2025 in Rio Rancho, NM. He was born to Paul Edward and Hazel (Brown) Moore on March 10, 1937 in St. Louis, MO.

Mike was preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years (1957-1982) Patricia A. Deegan; his parents, Paul and Hazel Moore.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Martha Ann Moore of Rio Rancho, NM; daughter, Phyllis Anne Moore Conner and spouse, Jessie Conner of Sherrills Ford, NC; son, Michael Kenneth Moore and spouse, Lynn Moore of Indian Land, SC; step-daughters, Michelle Suzanne Brownell and spouse, Brad Brownell of Rio Rancho, NM and Melissa Leigh Monti of Irvine, CA; grandchildren, Zacary James Brownell and Chloe Castie Brownell; his beloved dog, Dutch, The Schnauzer.

Mike graduated rom Bell High School, Class of 1955. He attended Rio Hondo College and was awarded his Associate Degree in Quality Assurance.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 (the year before graduating from high school). He served his country honorably for a total of 38 years – 8 years active duty plus 30 years in the active reserves. He retired from the USAF in 1992 as a Senior Master Sargent (E-8). He served during the Vietnam War Era. His last project from 1987-1992 before his retirement was with the U.S. Space Division: Star Wars Upper Stages.

Mike had also been employed by the U.S. Department of Defense Air Force for 36 years as a Quality Assurance Representative achieving GS-12 before retiring in 1992.

After he had been retired for approximately 5 years, he was approached in 1997 for an honorary appointment by the Assistant Secretary of Defense as a Mission One Representative of the ESGR (Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve), Tinker Air Force Base, OK, which interfaced between the reservist / guardsman and their employer. He retired from this position in 2001 and he was honored and rewarded with a retirement flag that had been flown over the Oklahoma State Capital.

Mike was an active member the Catholic Church and served as an Eucharist minister; he supported the Salvation Army; he was interested in World War II History especially model aircraft; he was a member of Aero-modelers of Charlotte, NC, and the Academy of Model Aeronautics; a member of the Republican Party and an honorary member of the National Republican Life Member; and the Order of CCC Merit.

A Rosary will be recited Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held May 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM.