History & Staff

Dr. Joseph Moore, President

Dr. Moore is the third generation owner of Moore Funeral Homes. He is the son of legendary Tulsa funeral director Joe M. Moore. Dr. Moore worked at Moore's while in high school. Then, after attaining his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and M.D. from The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, he practiced medicine in northeast Oklahoma for more than 32 years. For 27 of those years, he specialized in treating blood and cancer-related disorders with Oklahoma Oncology, Inc., which later became incorporated into the Warren Clinics. Dr. Moore retired from the practice of medicine in October of 2013. He serves as General Manager of Moores. His hobbies are jogging, golfing, travelling and watching OU, OSU, and TU football.

Lynne Moore, Funeral Director

Lynne was born in Austin, TX. She moved to Fayetteville, AR at an early age where she was raised. She attained her R.N. from the University of Arkansas and then worked at Washington General Hospital in Fayetteville, Okmulgee Hospital, Muskogee V.A. Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK. After she married Dr. Joseph Moore in 1983, she was a stay-at-home mom as she raised their 2 children. More recently, she attained her Mortuary Science degree and works as a licensed funeral director at Moores. She likes helping people and sees her role as a funeral director as a ministry. Her hobbies include working out, travelling with friends and family and going to movies.

Elaine Moore- Jones, Manager - Funeral Director

I'm Elaine Moore Jones, granddaughter of one of the founders of Moore Funeral Homes. From the time (age 10) I heard my Uncle Joe Moore meet with a family and guide them through life's most difficult transition, I knew I wanted to be a funeral director. I joined Moore's in 1983 as a secretary at Moore's Memory Chapel. In 1993, I went back to school, receiving my degree from UCO as a professional embalmer and funeral director. I've been manager at Moore's Southlawn Chapel since 2004. I married Gary L. Jones in 1987 and have a step-son, step-grandson and our dog, (who is like a child), Bogey! Gary and I enjoy golf and travel to beautiful destinations to play golf. I enjoy reading and am very involved with my church, John Knox Presbyterian, and The Rotary Club of Tulsa.

Dr. LaFonda Ehlers, Financial Manager & Officer

LaFonda decided to work for Moore Funeral Homes because of their outstanding reputation and their assurance that “Tulsa families have someone they can count on when they need them the most”. Her grandfather was a funeral director in Tulsa for decades. She feels it is quite a special quality in someone to aspire to help grieving families, doing so with unprecedented customer service. Her goal at Moore’s is to efficiently & effectively lead all areas of finance, human resources, administration, and operations; helping develop company policy and procedure that ensure compliance with business regulations, SAP, tax laws and industry standards. LaFonda holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a M.S. in Business Administration, a M.S. in Healthcare Administration, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. She's also pursuing a second Doctorate in Healthcare Administration. A native Tulsan, she’s lived in CA, Europe & Asia, but settled back in Oklahoma where most of her family lives.

Terry Hamm, Manager - Funeral Director

Terry L. Hamm, Funeral Director and Embalmer, is the manager of Moore’s Memory Chapel, 1403 South Peoria Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma. This was the original chapel of Moore’s Funeral Homes, Inc.

Terry graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in 1979. After graduation, he worked eighteen years for another funeral home in eastern Oklahoma before joining Moore Funeral Homes in 1997.

Terry is originally from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He now lives in Okmulgee, Oklahoma with his wife, Christy. They have two grown children, Barrett (who is in the United States Navy), and Erica (who is a surgical tech at St. John Medical Center) and her husband, Jacen. Terry and his wife are members of Okmulgee First Assembly Church, where he is a very active member of the Praise and Worship Team. Terry enjoys playing for his church and with a Southern Gospel Band. They play monthly for two senior adult groups.

"I enjoy my position at Moore’s because it gives me the opportunity to serve the families of the Tulsa area with compassion and sincerity."

Chris Penn, Manager - Funeral Director

Chris was born and raised in Okmulgee, OK and now resides in Owasso, OK with his wife Kimberly and their two children, Leanna and Alec, and their three dogs Aurora, Lucky, and Mya. Family time is important, as well as staying in shape and just about everything that pertains to being outside or working on something.

Chris graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1989, then attended Dallas Institute of Funeral Services. After graduation in 1991 from Dallas Institute, Chris returned home to work in a hometown funeral home in Okmulgee, OK as a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

In 1997, Chris joined the Moore Funeral Home family as a funeral director and embalmer. He is now the manager of Rosewood Chapel and also manages Moore Cremation Services.

Jeff Tutt, Manager/Funeral Director

Jeff has been with Moore Funeral Homes since June, 2011. In addition to working for Moore’s as a funeral director and the manager of the Southlawn location, he also frequently facilitates Moore’s grief support group “Silver Linings”. He has been in funeral service since 1978. A native of Illinois, he has lived in the Tulsa area since 2006. Jeff is an honors graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, IL. And he is also a graduate of the National Foundation of Funeral Service Management Course. He is married to the former Karen Holmes-Kammer who resides with him in Bixby. His daughter, Juliana, lives in the Chicago area.

Jeff and Karen are members of Faith United Methodist Church. His hobbies include playing the organ. Jeff says “I am very proud to be affiliated with Moore Funeral Homes. Here I feel that I work for an organization that provides first class service to grieving families”.

John Wilson, Manager - Funeral Director/Embalmer

Hello, I’m John Wilson. I have been with Moore’s for more than 20 years. I am the Manager at our Eastlawn location. I have witnessed the funeral industry change over the years and the one thing that has remained constant is our (Moore’s) tradition of serving families. I am proud of the fact that we (Moore’s) provide service to our client families with our own staff. We have staff on call and in two locations 24/7 to respond to our clients' needs.

My grandmother told me that she thinks what I do is a calling, and maybe it is. What I do know is funeral service and Moore’s give me the opportunity to help people through a difficult time in life. As Dr. Moore states, we know we did our job when the family we served gives us a hug and thanks us.

I was born and raised in Claremore, OK. I currently reside in Claremore with my wife Genelle and my three children and Genelle’s daughter. I graduated from Claremore High in 1987, then attended and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK in 1991 with a B.S. degree. Upon passing the National Certification test for Funeral Service, I became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in 1992. After working a year in Oklahoma City, I moved back to the Tulsa area and was hired by Moore’s in April of 1993.

When I’m not present at the funeral home, I am either watching my children play a sport, hunting, fishing, canoeing, doing yard work or teaching/nurturing the next Wilson generation.

Lance Acree, Pre-Planning Counselor

Lance Acree has been helping families prearrange their funerals in advance since 2002. He grew up in the Tulsa area and takes great pride in his heritage here. He is married to Annessa Acree and they have two sons, Ethan and Evan. Lance’s professional background also includes a wealth of cemetery experience with some of the largest cemeteries in the state of Oklahoma. He believes Pre-Planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your family. Pre-Planning your final wishes allows your loved ones to focus on the healing process rather than being faced with many decisions and the financial burden during such a difficult time. Lance is available to meet with you at any time at your home or one of our many locations

Thomas Carreno, Funeral Director

Thomas has served Moores as a Funeral Director since 2005 at the Southlawn Chapel location.

Kelsie Drake, Funeral Director

Claudette Foster, Administrative Assistant

I have worked at Moore’s since August 2013 at the Southlawn location. I began as the receptionist which consisted of not only greeting and comforting the families coming to our funeral home, but also, assisting families of veterans in obtaining the VA benefits afforded their loved one. In November 2017 I began a new position working with the families that we serve in customizing Memorial Folders and Memorial Books for services, and creating videos to celebrate the life of the loved one. I also, work with our families as a liaison with many different insurance companies in the sometimes difficult task of filing insurance claims. It is my desire to make this difficult time for them as easy as possible. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work at Moore’s, where it doesn’t really seem like a job as I enjoy it so much!

My husband, Roger, and I began our time together in sunny California on the Monterey Peninsula, where we were both raised. After visiting relatives in Sand Springs, Oklahoma we made the decision that this was the best place to raise our children. We moved to Oklahoma in October 1977. We have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. I like to read and spend as much time as possible enjoying my grandchildren, as well as all my family and friends.

Robert Fourtner, Funeral Director

Robert has been in the funeral business for 37 years and has served the families of Moore's for over 10 years. He takes care of preparing the deceased for burial, along with meeting families to make final arrangements. Helping families at their time of need and making sure that their loved ones look the best that they can is something he not only enjoys but considers a top priority.

Robert resides in Broken Arrow along with his wife, Debbie. They have 3 children and 3 wonderful grandchildren. Robert enjoys scuba diving, traveling and bowling.

Robert Gardner, Funeral Director/Embalmer

Robert began working at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel as a Funeral Director/Embalmer April 2013.

Matthew Haff, Funeral Assistant

Lawrence Hutchings, Maintenance & Security Manager

Larry is the Manager of Grounds Maintenance, Automobiles and Security. He has been with the Moore family since 2002.

Sharon James, Office Manager

I have been with Moore Funeral Homes since February, 1998. I have been in the funeral industry for over 24 years and am currently the office manager at Moore's Southlawn. I have lived in the Tulsa area all my life, and it is a great city to raise your family. I am a graduate of Tulsa Central High School and Tulsa Business College. I have two grown married children, Jason and his wife, Amanda, who live in Laguna Niguel, CA; and Jan and her husband Jeremy, who live in Midlothian, VA. They have my two very special grandchildren, Connor and Hannah.

I enjoy traveling and was able to take my dream cruise trip to Alaska in July, 2013. I am a member of Faith United Methodist Church. I am so blessed to have this wonderful job because I am able to convey compassion and love to the families we serve. They are all special families and we recognize them every December at our annual Remembrance Service here at Southlawn. I couldn't ask for a better company to work for and feel honored to work for Moore Funeral Homes.

Angela Johnson, Funeral Director

A native of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Angela started her career at Moore Funeral Home's Southlawn location in 2022. She earned her degree in Mortuary Science from the Dallas Institute and a degree in History from the University of Oklahoma. Her interest in the Funeral Service industry began at the age of 7 with the death of her older sister. After completing a winning science fair project at age 12 comparing Egyptian Mummification to Modern Day embalming with the support of a local funeral director (the late Mr. Willie Granger), Angela knew that her life calling was to serve families during their most difficult time. Angela became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in February 1999. Her faith is an important part of her life. Angela is blessed to be a wife, a mother to five amazing children, a daughter, sister & cousin to many! She is also a proud member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma. She believes every day is a gift from God & should be lived to its fullest. In her leisure time, Angela is a huge sports fan, enjoying MMA, boxing and football, and enjoys cooking and baking (especially trying new recipes), quilting and reading. What Angela loves about Moore's is the great teamwork, Dr. Moore's leadership and support, and the work-life balance that gives her time with family.

Frank Kelley, Funeral Director/Embalmer

Hi, my name is Frank Kelley. I was born and raised in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and I still reside there today. I graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1995 and attended one year of college at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, and one year at TCC in Tulsa. I graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, TX in August 1998. Immediately I began serving my apprenticeship at Moore’s Eastlawn Chapel, where I still work today as an Embalmer and Funeral Director.

I married my wife in the fall of 2000, and we have one daughter. When I am not at work, spending time with my family is a priority. I also enjoy fishing and working outside.

I have been extremely fortunate to be employed by the Moore Family Funeral Homes for nearly 16 years. The opportunity to work for and to get to know both Mr. Moore and Dr. Moore has truly been a blessing. Their compassion for families during the time of grief and their dedication to the employees is remarkable. Moore’s is truly a great place to work.

Gregg Lee, Funeral Director/Embalmer

Gregg Lee grew up in Tulsa and graduated from Webster High School in 1989. He attended Northeastern State University and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.S. in Funeral Service in 1995. He served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard for 8 years. In 1995, Gregg married his high school sweetheart, Erin. The family grew with the addition of daughter, Caitlin, in 2000.

Gregg has enjoyed being a member of the staff for several years, due to a true sense of camaraderie and the Moore family’s commitment to excellence in the industry and uncompromising service.

James Lenox, II, Senior Accountant

I was born in Tulsa, and have lived here all my life, except for the four years I was in the Air Force. I graduated from Tulsa Central High School and Tulsa Junior College. I have three married children and nine grandchildren that all live in the St. Louis, MO area.

I started working for Moore Funeral Home in 1989, which means I have been here for over 25 years. I have worked in the accounting office all that time, first doing Accounts Receivable and now doing the Accounts Payable. I also work with the preneed trust funeral accounts and preneed insurance accounts.

My hobbies are reading, sports and going on cruises. My favorite authors are James Patterson, John Sandford, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, John Grisham and Tom Clancy. I have been on 18 cruises to places like Alaska, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal, Carribean, Canada and one Trans-Atlantic. When I go on a cruise I take my iPad and that's when I really read a lot of books and enjoy the ride.

Marcia Freeman May, Funeral Director

Marcia joined Moore Funeral Home on May 2, 2016 as a licensed funeral director. She was formerly a funeral director with Freeman Harris Funeral Home which closed on March 31, 2016. She has been a funeral director and licensed embalmer since 2004. Marcia’s mother, Joan Freeman, worked for Moore Funeral Home for over 40 years. Marcia has a Funeral Service Degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK, as well as, an Office Administration Degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. She has a twelve year employment history in Human Resource Management and is licensed to write property, casualty and life insurance in Oklahoma. Her licensing gives her the ability to write preneed insurance arrangements for Moore Funeral Home.

Marcia was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is married to Clark May and has three children, Chase, Cami and Tye. Marcia says “I have a small zoo at home” since she has three dogs, a macaw, two parakeets, two doves and two freshwater aquariums. Her faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, is extremely important to her. Marcia's loves to travel, bowl, go to movies, try new restaurants, antique, remodel “ fixer upper “properties, work in the yard and around her home. She has been a member of the Junior League of Tulsa, the Rotary Club of Southside Tulsa and is a Paul Harris Fellow.

Marcia says “I am excited that I have been given the opportunity to be a part of the Moore’s team. I am thrilled to serve not only Moore’s families but also the families who were previously the clients of Freeman Harris Funeral Home.”

Sonja Padgett, Executive Administrative Assistant

A long-time Tulsa resident, Sonja has worked for Moore Funeral Homes for 22 years. She has one son who is an electrician in Tulsa.

“I have always been proud to say I work for Moore Funeral Homes and enjoy my work very much.”

Dianne Seat, Executive Administrative Assistant

Dianne, a long-time resident of Mannford, OK, joined Moore’s in May of 2015. Graduated from Cleveland High School and has been married to Murray for 31 years. “I enjoy working for Moore’s and helping families through a very difficult time in their lives”.

Murray Seat, Crematory Operator

Murray has been with Moore's since 1987 and is the full-time operator for the Moore Funeral Home Crematory.

Tim Shaw, Funeral Director

Tim has been with Moores since 2015 and currently serves as a Funeral Director at the Southlawn Chapel location.

Sheldon Sparks, Funeral Director

I grew up in Broken Arrow, OK and graduated from Union High School in 1979. I graduated from Oklahoma Central University in 1986 with a B.S. in Funeral Service and started working for Moore Funeral Home in 1988.

Christy and I have been married for over thirty years and have four sons. Christy works for Jenks Public Schools. We live in Jenks and attend St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Mary Helen Stanley, Funeral Director

Mary Helen Stanley is a native Oklahoman and the oldest woman licensed funeral director in Oklahoma still working in the industry. She has worn many hats: secretarial, teacher, was teaching at the University of Tulsa following WW2 when she met and married Bob Stanley, Sr. In 1960, following the death of her husband, she received her funeral director's license. She has been with Moore's for 10 years and has worked at all of the locations.

Reading has been a hobby and for over 60 years, she has given book reviews for Tulsa churches and organizations. Among her many life accomplishments, she received the Oklahoma Funeral Director of the Year Award in 2001-2002, Rotarian award in 2003, and in 2006 was included in the Journal Record Woman of the Year award. In 1974, she started the Grief Recovery Class at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, which was a forerunner of other classes now in service. In 2008, after serving on the Executive Board of Quota International for many years, she formed a new non-profit 501c3 group, Silver Service of Tulsa.

Mary Helen enjoys entertaining in her home, cooking and most important - meeting new people.

Wes Wadkins, Pre-Planning Advisor

Wes Wadkins, a pre-planning advisor, has been representing Moore Funeral Homes for the past eight years. He and his wife of forty-seven years, Marisa, have three children, and six grandchildren. As a National Funeral Directors Association Certified PrePlanning Consultant, I am dedicated to serving our community. My core values are to serve families with integrity, respect, and service excellence. I am passionate about helping people prepare for one of the most difficult days of their lives by ensuring that all of their funeral arrangements are taken care of in advance. While working with Moore Funeral Homes, I am able to provide families the security of knowing all of their final wishes will be carried out, critical decisions and tasks are handled now, and costs are addressed in advance. Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you and your family.

Matthew Taylor, Funeral Assistant

Matthew works as a Funeral Assistant at our Eastlawn Chapel location.

Jackson Williams, Funeral Director

A native Arkansan, Jackson moved to Oklahoma and began studying mortuary science in 2014 after he met and married Linda, the daughter of Joe and Lynne Moore. He is a licensed x-ray technician and an accomplished guitar player in addition to being a licensed funeral director. His kindness and compassion drive him to want to help families through their darkest times of grief; he views his occupation as a ministry opportunity.

Jackson enjoys traveling, watching sports, playing and recording guitar music, and spending time with his wife Linda and their sons, Troy & Roman.

Linda Williams, Accounting Assistant

Linda is the daughter of Dr. Joe and Lynne Moore and the wife of Moore's funeral director Jackson Williams. She has worked at Moore's since 2011 and has a Bachelor's degree from Oral Roberts University with a double major in Piano and Psychology.

Honored to assist with the continuation of the family business, Linda enjoys working in the accounting department.