Fund Spotlight: Donald W. Moore Memorial Fund

The Donald W. Moore Memorial Fund was established in late 2024 by his family to celebrate Moore’s life and farming legacy while supporting nonprofit organizations in the community that held a special place in his heart. His daughter, Lesley, shared, “My dad worked hard his entire life and provided well for his family. We feel it is important to give back.” 

Moore, the sixth of seven children, was born into the farming life in the small town of Denair, CA. At just 17 years old, he courageously stepped up to manage the family farm after the death of his father. A short time later, he was called to serve in the United States Army, where he spent time in Germany before being honorably discharged in 1947. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Mary Alford, and the two settled down on a dairy farm east of Oakdale.  

After many years as a dairy farmer, Donald sold his cows and began planting almond trees. This transition led him to a career as an Appraiser for the Federal Land Bank in Modesto and Turlock – where he retired as a Branch Manager in 1986. During that time, he also grew almonds as a member of the Blue Diamond Growers Cooperative and served as a director of the Stanislaus Farm Bureau.

While his formal education didn’t extend past high school, Donald was a well-read and self-educated man. He was known for being soft spoken but had a great sense of humor. He loved music and would often take Mary to local dances for seniors. Annual fishing trips, camping excursions with the whole family, and Caribbean cruises with Mary were just a few of Donald’s most favorite things.

His legacy of love and dedication extended beyond his family, inspiring him to establish the David W. Moore Memorial Scholarship in 2018 in honor of his late son, David. The David W. Moore Memorial Scholarship supports local students at Atwater, Golden Valley, and Oakdale high schools pursuing degrees in Agriculture, Teaching, or Healthcare – fields that Donald held close to his heart. Since its creation, the fund has empowered 16 students to pursue their dreams of higher education.

For Lesley, continuing her father’s and her brother’s legacies through Stanislaus Community Foundation means that their lives can continue to have a positive impact. She said, “I hope that the funds will continue for years to come and will contribute to the betterment of society.”