Leon Moore, the longtime Dirt Late Model enthusiast who founded the Western Dirt Racing Association in 1995 and determinedly operated the series for 15 seasons, died June 9. He was 77.

The Grand Junction, Colo., resident, who with his family opened Moore's Auto Body in 1980, promoted dirt racing with WDRA events in nine states from 1995-’09, operating the Colorado-based series with fellow racers. His sons Dean and Allen Moore were among series regulars and Dean's 16 victories were third on the all-time series winner's list.

Dean Moore was among series champions along with Grand Junction driver Brett Hallmark, Kelly Boen of Henderson, Colo., and Curt Daniels of Paonia, Colo. Among popular WDRA tracks were Rocky Mountain National Speedway in Commerce City, Colo., Thunder Mountain Speedway in Olathe, Colo., and Desert Thunder Raceway in Price, Utah.

Raymond Leon Moore was a native of Elmer, Mo., spent his childhood in Casper, Wyo., and lived in Grand Junction for 50 years. The lifetime Elks Lodge member is survived by his wife Marti (Lawless) Moore, two sons and his daughters Shelly and Kristine along with 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A limited funeral gathering is 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction. A larger gathering for all family and friends is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Elks Lodge. Memorial contributions can be made to Roice Hurst Humane Society or HopeWest Hospice.