Wayne Eugene Moore Sr. passed away after a prolonged bout with cancer on March 8, 2026 at the age of 83.
Wayne was born in Nevada, Mo. and raised in Hermiston by his mother, Mary Louise Johnson and stepfather, Paul Johnson.
Wayne graduated from Stanfield High School in 1960. Wayne then went on to briefly work for Boeing as a mechanic in Everett, Wash. He entered the U.S. Army in 1964, serving as a military police officer where he met Ingrid in Germany and eventually brought her to the U.S and married (divorcing in 1979). He was discharged from the Army in 1966 and served in the reserves until 1970.
While serving as a police officer in Pendleton, Wayne took courses at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, then transferred to Eastern Oregon University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in police science. He periodically taught close quarters combat classes at the Oregon State Police Academy, and according to his brother Paul could make you pee your pants by just pressing a nerve!
Wayne loved serving the community as a police officer and did so in Pendleton from 1968 to 1980. He then went on to serve Stanfield, Echo, and Boardman as interim police chief, all the time serving on and off as a Umatilla County deputy sheriff. He was hired by Condon as police chief in 1984 and served until retiring in about 1995. He saw his role as more of a shepherd, providing guidance and leniency to support his community.
Wayne loved hunting, fishing and his children, Wayne II and Candice and grandchildren, Bronson, River, and Conner. He is also survived by his brothers, Lee, Russel and Paul and sister, Linda.
A brief graveside service will be held in Condon with military honors and an Elks ritual ceremony on March 21 at 10:30 a.m. Wayne often wore a cowboy hat and wore one nearly every day in his last years. He would have liked to see those attending in cowboy hats if so inclined!
Please leave your condolences for the family at https://www.sweeneypaytonmortuary.com.
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
