Richard H. (Dick) Moesel passed away at home in OKC 10/24/03. Born 8/13/27 in New York City. Grew up in Peekskill, N.Y and Princeton, N.J. Served in the United States Marines in China. Graduated Oklahoma A & M in Horticulture and married Marjorie Ball in 1952. Taught and advanced degrees at Ohio State and Rutgers. He returned to Oklahoma and started Moesel's Hort-Haven Truck Farm at Pauls Valley, OK where the town folks nursed him back to health and raised his crops after a terrible tractor accident. Dad started and maintained Rotary Rose Garden at Wacker Park to say thank-you for their help. Moved to Oklahoma City in 1963 and operated Moesel's Hort-Haven. Dick was one of the founders of the Oklahoma Horticultural Society in 1970 and served as President, Treasurer or Board member most every year since helping Hugh Hedger and others start this wonderful statewide group of professional and amateur plant lovers. He helped Dr. Richard Payne, Archie Miller and others start the Oklahoma Greenhouse Growers Association. He was one of the founders of the 2-year horticulture program at OSU-OKC and served as an adjunct professor to teach aspiring horticulturists. Awards include Nurseryman of the year by OK Nurserymen's Association, Greenhouse Grower of the Year by the Oklahoma Greenhouse Growers' Association, Honorary Master Gardener, Lifetime member OKC Council of Garden Clubs, lifetime member of the Oklahoma Horticultural Society, Outstanding Alumni Award from OSU Horticulture Program. Lifetime supporter of 4-H & NJHA Youth Programs and the Co-operative Extension program, serving many years on their advisory boards. Dad was widely known for his working outfit of overalls and high top boots, but even more widely known for his big warm smile. 40 year Member of his beloved Memorial Christian Church serving as elder and board member. Member of the Meridian Avenue Ecumenical Council since its conception, he was a strong advocate of churches working together to show God's love to the entire community.
Many thanks to Craig Moore and the staff of Hospice of Oklahoma County for their help during the 3 1/2 special years Dad has been battling cancer, to Keith Dawson who kept Moesel's Hort Haven open and to all friends who have given their support and love through prayers and many other acts of kindness. He is survived by a loving family who surrounded him with support as he departed earth for the gardens of heaven. His survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Marjorie, children Rodd and Dona, Eva and Dwight Juliuson, Bruce, Douglas and Dawn. He counted among his most priceless gifts and blessings 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren with another just announced. Dad believed growing plants and flowers was a spiritual experience and that planting, caring for and sharing the beauty of flowers and plants is always a great and appropriate memorial.
Have a great eternity Dad!
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