Daniel M. Moore, Jr., 85, of Decatur, died Thursday (June 13, 2013) at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Dan was born on April 25, 1928, in Hannibal, Missouri, to Daniel M. and Bertha (Wear) Moore.

He graduated from Westport High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1945. He earned an A.B. in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis in 1949, and a J.D. from the University of Illinois in 1953. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the United States Army.

In 1955, Dan joined the Decatur law firm of Denz, Lowe & Limerick, which evolved into Moore, Susler, McNutt & Wrigley. He specialized in Elder Law, and was an Illinois delegate to the White House Conference on Aging in 1995. In 1996, he received the “Tradition of Excellence” Award from the Illinois State Bar Association, and Dan was named a Laureate in the Academy of Illinois Lawyers in 2002. He retired in 2003.

Dan was an active community volunteer in education, social welfare, the arts, and health care. In 1995, following his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, he organized and led the local prostate cancer support group. Since 1997, Dan participated as a patient advocate at both the local and national levels, most recently with the National Cancer Institute-funded SWOG cancer research cooperative.

Survivors include Shirley, Dan’s wife of 54 years; daughters Karen (Jon) Tower of Edmond, OK and Janice (Steve) Benzel of Austin, TX; and grandchildren Lindsey (Travis) Pelletier of Hanover, MD, Lauren Tower of Edmond, OK, and Jared Benzel of Austin, TX.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 19th at 2:00PM at First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First Presbyterian Church; Decatur Public Library; or Central Illinois Us TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group.

In accordance with his wishes and desire to further health care research, Dan’s body will be donated to medical science and education. Final inurnment will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many health care providers – guided by Dr. James Wade, Dr. Thomas Tarter, and Dr. Cynthia Marschner – who helped Dan during his illness. The support of family and friends, both near and far, has sustained the family during this difficult time and is appreciated beyond measure.

Dan will be remembered for his insight, thoughtfulness, sense of humor and devotion to family and friends.