Willard Moore was born to J.I. and Elsie Moore on May 26, 1926. He lived his entire life in and around Bird City. He married Maxine Neisler on August 11, 1948 and was blessed with three children. Early on, he farmed, worked for Ernie Bressler, Johnson Chevrolet and spent most of his years managing the elevator in Bird City. During his life, you could find him playing Santa Claus, delivering candy to shut-ins, frying hamburgers at the steam engine show, or driving the ambulance as needed. He loved hunting, fishing, going to the mountains, and spending time with family.

After Maxine's death in 1992, he marred Dorothy Phillips on January 5, 1997. This union added seven grown children and their families to his. Willard is survived by his three children: Larry Moore of Mankato, Kansas, Sondra and husband Scott Phillips of Longmont, Colorado, Gary and wife Mary Moore of Bird City, eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents J.I. and Elsie Moore, his first wife Maxine, his second wife Dorothy, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.