Mr. Earl Moorning, Sr.

Earl F. Moorning Sr., age 82 of Kansas City, departed life on Sunday October 8th, 2023.

He was born May 4, 1941 in Pitt County, Greenville, North Carolina.  He was the son of the late Chester Moorning and Nina Bell Taft.  He was raised by the late Herman Taft and Nellie Tyson Taft.

Earl graduated from W.H. Robinson Union School in Winterville, North Carolina in 1959.  He attended Texas Southern University.  He was a dedicated member at St Paul Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, where he served on the trustee board.   He retired from Honeywell in 2003 giving them 29 years of service.  After retirement he worked for Michael’s Fine Clothing where he also loved to shop. Earl remained employed at Dr Anne Lambert Johnson’s Dentistry until he made his transition.  He was also a member of Coles Finch Masonic Lodge.

He met the love of his life Grace Gooch in 1964, while working as a delivery driver for Leo’s Drug Store.  Excited to start their lives together, the two were married January 15, 1966.  Earl and Grace couldn’t wait to start a family.  They welcomed three sons to this union.  Their children meant the world to them.

Earl loved to travel, visiting states on both the East and West Coasts.  He also took a cruise to the Bahamas.  His hobbies were driving his sports cars, watching football, playing pool and checkers.  Earl’s favorite role was that of a grandparent.  He treasured his time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved being their “Papa” never failing to hand out money or giving wise words.

He was proceeded in death by four brothers Roy Moorning, Alvin Taft, George Taft, Herman Taft Jr. and one great grandson, Da’Marion Hitch.

He leaves to cherish his memories: beloved wife, Grace Moorning; three sons, Earl Jr, Curtis and Eric Moorning, three sisters, Brenda Toles of Greenville, NC , Charlotte Lou Hawkins of Ayden, NC, and Deborah Wilson of Farmville, NC; 13 grandchildren, Earl III (Brittany) of Dallas, TX, Janae, Phylicia, Arieona (Davon), Brieona, Rashad, Kamauri of Fayetteville, NC, Marc, Tanner, Jazmin, Jamar, Devyn, and Jaylah; 22 great grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.  Special friends, Doctors Nelson and Anne Lambert Johnson 

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 11am at St. Paul Presbyterian 2910 Victor Street KCMO 64128. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9am-10am at the church. Masonic Service 10am-11am at the church. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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