Rev. Aaron C. "Papa" Moore, 88, was born on January 26, 1921 in Jonesboro, LA to the union of Mary Ella Jackson-Moore and Willie Moore which both preceded him in death.
Along his journey he attended Jonesboro, LA public schools, Philander-Smith College of Little Rock, AR, Central Baptist School of Theology, Kansas City, KS and Washburn University in Topeka, KS.
Rev. Moore came to Topeka in 1946 and became employed with Santa Fe Railroad for 33 years and retired in 1979. He was very active in the community and had a love for children which prompted him to become a foster parent for over 30 years with Social and Rehabilitation Services and the Kansas Children's Service League. He retired from foster care in 2000, and was later inducted in the KCSL Hall of Fame of foster care parenting.
He gave his life to Christ at the age of 9 and was called to the ministry in 1947. He assisted in the pastoral ship at various churches in Hiawatha, Herington and Topeka, KS.
He also was preceded in death by the love of his life for 34 years, Elizabeth Moore; one sibling, Leon P. Moore and wife Audrey; a daughter, Juanita Elizabeth Moore; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. He leaves to rejoice and cherish the morals and values instilled in his children: Sabrina Way, Kansas City, KS, Myron Moore, Kansas City, MO, Geoffrey Patterson (Adrienne) Shawnee, KS, Tamie Pollock, Junction City, KS, Gregory Patterson, Topeka, KS, Lisa Quarles, Junction City, KS; one adopted daughter, Sylvia Ortiz, Topeka, KS; one adopted son Gregory Wilson, Kansas City, MO; 18 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; 2 godchildren, Jamel Johnson, Atlanta, GA and Kesa Dawson, Topeka, KS; and a host of foster children, relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2801 SE Indiana, Topeka, Kansas 66605 on Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Penwell Gabel Cemetery.
Rev. Moore will lie in state from 4 to 6 pm on Wednesday, August 5th at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where a visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St. Suite 20, Topeka, Kansas 66614.