TJ Moore

Ninety-two years ago, on January 6, 1933, a baby boy, near the banks of the Otter Creek in the state of Utah, was born to Grace and Floyd Moore and given the name of TJ. Many have asked what those initials stood for, and so often that this boy, while filling out forms, would have to write that those initials stood for: “T” only and “J” only. Thus, Tonly Jonly became a popular nickname.

TJ was a working man. As a boy, he mucked rocks and threw trowels of stone and set dynamite caps with his father deep in the mines of Marysvale. He may or may not have sneaked a few sticks of that dynamite into his boot around quitting time to use for personal reasons. Those reasons became apparent as ear-splitting blasts of tree stumps or phone poles broke the silence of that sleepy town.

While in his teens, TJ caught the eye of a pretty, young girl named Lois Geneva Madsen. She worked in the local theater, serving up snacks and popcorn while TJ ran the projector upstairs. She may or may not have sneaked up in between reels to share a kiss or two with him in the projector’s box.

Soon, the war began, and TJ, being a staunch flag-loving patriot, signed up for the Air Force. Not wanting to lose the gal of his dreams, he married Lois in 1952 and was soon shipped off to serve in Korea. Those years were lean but happy. Petite Lois gave birth to four strapping boys: Randy (Katie), Dennie (Cara), Kelly (Cindy), and Dirk (Melia).

It would take many 100 lb. bags of potatoes to feed that crew, and in the coming years, TJ kept that family fueled and fed by working at Hill Air Force Base. Oftentimes, if money was tight, he would pawn a favorite rifle to ensure those boys got a decent Christmas.

TJ brought about positive change in the little town he loved and grew up in. The Marysvale Veterans Memorial became a reality as he and others selected, loaded, and set large stones for its base. He was a longtime member of the VFW post and honored his comrades at Memorial Day celebrations, parades, and played Taps at many of their funerals. He served as Treasurer for the Marysvale Fireman’s Club for many years. He was instrumental in creating the historic Miner’s Park, which paid tribute to those who toiled beneath the earth’s crust, too often giving their all to that back-breaking labor.

His greatest joys were his boys, their wives, his 15 grandkids, 31 greats, and 2 great-greats. He adored his wife and took pride in being sealed in the Manti temple and their many years together, so much so that he would invariably stop a stranger and proudly share how long they had been married. “Seventy-three years,” he would state, to which the astonished stranger would react at how young his wife looked. “I married her when she was 16!” he would boast, after which Lois would quickly correct, “Almost 17!”

He was a friend and neighbor to all. The ladies of the town will tell you how he mischievously "tap tapping" them with his cane to show his affection. He loved a good round of solitaire and especially poker--Jacks or Better being his game of choice. But too often he wound up winning with the joker in hand, leaving the players suspicious of cards up his sleeve.

Faith, Family, and Freedom were his credo. Oh, and maybe Food. He loved hamburgers on the grill, Mountain Dew, cashews, and plain Lays potato chips, and if he could cover them all in ketchup and empty the bottle, he’d call it a meal.

TJ was a man of God and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He knew the reality of his Lord, and when he prayed aloud, if you dared open an eyelid, you might just see the Savior Himself standing there right next to him. TJ loved his country. He served it honorably, and with that honor, he proudly kept the Stars and Stripes waving reverently in his yard.

A few paragraphs on paper are never enough to memorialize this goodly life—his humble, sweet existence impacted so many. TJ, we just ask that you watch over the rest of us mortals down here and save us a seat in heaven, right next to the Man you knew so well in life; the one who said as you entered into Paradise, “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into my Glory.”

We love you, and God be with you til we meet again.

Date of departure: October 25, 2025.

Those who preceded TJ in his passing: Parents, Grace and Floyd Moore. Brothers Keith and Gene Moore and sisters June Nielson, Ann Sargent (Groves), and Beverly Moore.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Marysvale Ward Chapel.
A Viewing will be held prior to services from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the Church.
Burial will be in the Marysvale Cemetery.
Funeral Directors are Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti
An online guestbook and livestreaming of services can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com