Linda Moore, former Ozona Stockman editor, dies at 78

Sep 1, 2021

On July 9, 2021, Linda Crow Moore, former owner and editor of the Ozona Stockman, passed away at the age of 78.

Linda Kay Crow was born in Albany, Texas. Not long after she was born, Linda’s parents, Travis B. (Duke) and Jewell McNeely Crow, left Albany and moved the family west to Big Lake. When Linda was in the sixth grade, her father got a job working for Texas Natural Refinery, and the family moved to Upton County. The family lived at Benedum field near the refinery before eventually moving into town (Rankin).

Linda graduated from Rankin High School, where she was active in the FHA chapter, was president of her class and was chosen as class favorite of 1960. She served on the newspaper staff, played in the band, received the Daughters of the American Revolution award, was in the National Honor Society and was a Rebekah of Rankin Lodge #81 member.

Linda met her soulmate, John Scott Moore, Sr. (“Scotty”) at a dance in Rankin when she was a sophomore in high school. After Linda graduated from high school, she and Scotty were married in Rankin on June 3, 1961. Linda and Scotty raised two sons, Scott and Roy. Over the years, Scotty’s job took the family to many places, but Ozona and Rankin were always home.

Linda was a devoted mother and waited until the boys were older before starting her newspaper career. Her first job was working part-time for the Devil’s River News in Sonora, where she helped get the papers ready to mail each week. Scotty was working as a logging engineer when he and Linda decided to buy the Texas Mohair Weekly in Rocksprings in 1975. This was Linda’s first job as newspaper editor. In 1977, the Moores started a second newspaper, The Nueces River News in Camp Wood. In 1985, the Moores founded the Crockett County News in Ozona. In April 1987, Linda and Scotty purchased the Ozona Stockman from Kitty Montgomery and merged the two Ozona newspapers together. Linda served as editor of all four newspapers.

Linda loved Ozona and gave back to the community with every edition of the Stockman. She covered many commissioner’s court meetings and high school football games over the years. One of the proudest accomplishments was back in June 1991 when the Moores published a special 56-page edition of the Stockman, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the organization of Crockett County.

Linda will be remembered by many for her smile and kindness from the newspaper office. In December 2003, Linda and Scotty sold the Stockman to Melissa and Paul Perner and retired to the ranch. Unfortunately, retirement had to wait, as Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer. Throughout the treatments she never complained, and she beat the cancer.

Even in retirement, Linda continued to give back to the community. She served as a board member for the Crockett County Historical Commission. Linda helped photograph and document cemetery records for the Commission.

More recently, Linda and Scotty had been in Austin to be closer to family.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Travis Bowie Crow and Jewell McNeely Crow, a brother, Travis Clyde Crow, half brother Charles Henry and half sister Wennell; sisters-in-law Bernice Crow, Janet Mason Moore, Donna Moore Nieri and parents-in-law Buddy and Maggie Moore.

Linda is survived by her husband of 60 years, Scotty; son Scott Moore, Jr. and his wife, Julie, and their sons Garrison and Griffin; son Roy Moore and his wife, Nancy, and their daughters Emily and Angela; brothers-in-law Brent Moore and Pete Nieri; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Linda never wanted to be in the spotlight, but her light shone brightly. She is a true daughter, sister, wife and mother, and Linda always put her family first. She will be remembered by many for her love, kindness, humility and empathy. She is a true daughter of West Texas for her love of the land and our heritage.

Funeral services were held at Ozona United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 17th. Visitation was July 17th at the church, followed by funeral service, with Pastor Leigh Lloyd officiating. Interment followed in Cedar Hill Cemetery south of Ozona.

Memorials may be made to the Crockett County Historical Commission or the Crockett County Public Library.