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Chad Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund

Saturday, Feb. 16, friends, family and supporters of Chad Moore gathered at Newcastle High School gym to raise funds for the Chad Moore Memorial Scholarship fund. Proceeds from the grilled hamburger meal and for entry to the donkey basketball game will benefit the scholarship fund.

The 23-year-old was the son of Terry and Helen Moore. He was killed in 2012 while riding as a passenger in a car that the driver lost control of while speeding in a curve on a gravel road. Moore was born in Mineral Wells and graduated from Newcastle High School. The former Air Tractor (Olney) employee had just earned his license as a massage therapist, and he was scheduled to start work on the Monday following the accident that occurred Sunday.

The one-car accident shocked the community who grieved the loss of a young life. His grandparents Alvis and Hazel Moore of Graham recalled Moore’s athleticism as an all-district running back who led the Newcastle High School to many victories. Alvis Moore said, “He was an excellent football player who had the skills to play in college. He chose not to attend college because he wanted to get licensed as a massage therapist.”

Hazel Moore sadly shared that Chad was two when he lost his father Terry, and Chad’s son Liam was also two when he lost his dad. Moore’s brothers Michael Moore and Dickie Baynes inspired laughter throughout the gym as they rode on donkeys and attempted to make baskets in honor of their brother. Moore’s sisters are Dawn Leija of Vernon and Amy Baynes of Fort Worth. Baynes shared her fondest memory of Moore. “Chad loved his son Liam so much. They were always at the lake house running around, laughing and playing the entire time.

The Chad Moore Foundation was started by Moore’s grandfather Alvis and his cousin Carla Short who is serving as the president. “I decided to start the foundation in 2013 to help out graduating seniors with scholarships to help pay for college,” Short said. A board of directors governs the foundation. Short said everyone has been responsive, and last year they awarded six scholarships.

People who are interested in donating should go to the Farmers State Bank in Newcastle and give to the Chad Moore Memorial Scholarship fund. The family said they are grateful to the community for supporting their efforts every year.