Eugene Moore (politician) facts for kids

Eugene M. "Gene" Moore (born July 19, 1942 – died June 14, 2016) was an important politician from Illinois. He served in two big roles: first, as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, and later, as the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. He worked hard to help the people of his community.

Early Life and Education

Gene Moore was born on July 19, 1942, in a place called Baltzer, Mississippi. His parents were Sara Ella Burrell and Joseph Moore. When he was very young, his family moved to Maywood, Illinois. Maywood became his lifelong home.

He went to Washington Elementary School and then graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood.

Gene was good at football and even got a scholarship to Otero Junior College. But an injury stopped his football career there. He decided to return to Maywood. A family member later said that Gene might have also felt homesick and wanted to be with his high school sweetheart, who he later married.

Before becoming a politician, Moore worked for the American Can Company in Maywood. After that, he had a long career as an account manager at Metropolitan Life Insurance.

Starting in Politics

In the 1980s, Gene Moore became active in the Democratic Party. He first tried to become a trustee in Maywood but didn't win. A trustee is like a local council member who helps make decisions for the town. In 1988, Moore was elected as a trustee for Proviso Township.

Serving as State Representative

In 1992, Gene Moore was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. This was a big moment because he became the first African American to represent the 7th district. The district had been redrawn, which made it possible for someone from the Proviso area to be elected. Important leaders like Cook County commissioner Danny K. Davis supported him.

Moore served as a State Representative until 1999. During this time, he also became a Democratic committeeman for Proviso Township in 1998. This meant he had an important role in the local Democratic Party.

Cook County Recorder of Deeds

In January 1999, Gene Moore was chosen to be the Cook County recorder of deeds. This happened when Jesse White left the job to become the Illinois Secretary of State. Important county leaders like John Stroger and John P. Daley supported Moore for this role.

The Recorder of Deeds office is where important documents like property deeds and mortgages are officially recorded and kept safe. Moore was elected to his first full term in 2000 and was reelected in 2004 and 2008.

As Recorder of Deeds, Moore worked to make the office better. He focused on stopping property fraud and theft, which is when someone tries to illegally take or use someone else's property. He also worked to update the office's computer systems and how they handled information.

Moore retired from his role in 2012. Another Democrat, Karen Yarbrough, was elected to take his place.

Community Work

Gene Moore was very active in helping his community outside of politics. He supported local charities and groups. These included the Boys & Girls Club of West Cook County and the John C. Vaughn Scholarship Fund. He believed in giving back and helping young people.

Personal Life

Gene Moore was divorced. He had three children: two daughters named Dowanna and Natalie, and a son named Eric. At the time of his death, he had six grandchildren.

His close friends and family often called him "Gene" or "Geno." His main hobby was said to be dancing.

His Passing

Gene Moore passed away on June 14, 2016, in Maywood, Illinois. He was 73 years old. He had been battling prostate cancer for a long time. His funeral was held on June 17 at Maywood's Second Baptist Church. Moore had been a member of this church since he was a child. More than 1,400 people came to his funeral to remember him.