John Alden Moon

John Moon passed away on May 13, 2025 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was born on October 28, 1928 in Beaumont, Texas the only surviving son of Marvin Scott and Selma Hulda Ida (Kirchoff) Moon.

He married Betty Ann Turner of Kingsville, Texas on February 11, 1953 at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas. John and Betty Ann had 2 daughters, Stephanie Doris currently residing in Nacogdoches, Texas and Melanie Jo currently residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico. John and Betty Ann have one granddaughter, Isabelle Rose Moon Banner currently residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

John lived his early years in San Antonio Texas, where his family attended St John’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from Texas A & I, Kingsville, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. His career started with The Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington and continued with a move to Phillips Petroleum Company in Borger, Texas. He was then transferred to corporate headquarters in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. John’s last position with Phillips was in Odessa, Texas. During his career he held several patents in gas processing.

In the early 80’s John and Betty Ann built their dream retirement home and settled into a new life and community in Angel Fire, NM and joined Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church. While in Angel Fire John enjoyed success as a ski instructor, well into his 80’s and was able to cultivate his passion for gold panning and continue his love of rock hunting. He and Betty Ann hiked, backpacked and snow skied all over Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Soon he became known to his friends as “Rock John”. He also volunteered as a docent and a board member at the Eagles Nest Visitor Center and Gateway Museum educating and entertaining tourists on the history of mining in the Moreno Valley and the nuances of panning for gold.

The family lost Betty Ann in 2015. With that event John eventually relocated to The Montecito Santa Fe where he could live independently a short distance from Melanie and Isabelle. He became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Friends were important to John and he loved them dearly….as proven by one such friendship that has lasted for 72 years. John had a unique ability to deliver a good story, often entertaining his friends and family. Many friends considered him as family, and they are saddened at having to say goodbye. We hope they are reminded of John when they tuck a pretty stone or rock in their pocket…he would love that.

He loved music: Bach and Adre’ Rieu (who could bring him to tears of joy), polka music, Texas Swing and honky-tonk music, especially Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys and Ernest Tubbs (John & Betty Ann’s song was Waltz Across Texas). Recently he learned about Asleep at the Wheel and Ray Benson filled his apartment with his unique vocal style, but his fall back was Tejano music like the Texas Tornados. John was also passionate about dancing; teaching Steph and Mel to waltz, two step and polka almost as soon as they could walk. John and Betty Ann were fantastic dance partners, whether square dancing in Tulsa, Oklahoma or waltzing at a tea dance at the Ritz Hotel in London, England.

To his family, John was playful, encouraged education, and taught us the importance of kindness to the stranger, which he learned from his own mother.

The Moon women, Stephanie, Melanie and Isabelle, will always remember Daddy, Dad and Opa for his never-ending love, support and encouragement.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 am MST, on Saturday, June 7, 2025: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 207 E. Barcelona Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505.

A second Celebration of Life will take place at 2 pm MST on Tuesday June 10, 2025 at: Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 13 Elliott Barker Ln, Angel Fire, NM 87710.

Cards and condolences can be sent by snail mail to: Stephanie Moon, 600 Harborview Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75964

Condolences and special memories can also be shared on:

https://www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-moon

Flowers should be sent to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 13 Elliott Barker Ln, Angel Fire, NM 87710 for delivery on June 10, 2025.