When Chris Howard Moore, branch manager of Benchmark Mortgage passed away on June 20, 2025, the Dallas community felt a noticeable loss.
Born on October 16, 1961, in Fort Worth, Texas, Chris grew up in a modest household with his parents, Carl and Sara Moore. He earned his high school diploma from Arlington High School in Arlington, Texas, before launching a career in the automotive industry—a job that would later introduce him to the love of his life, Shawne Moore. The couple wed in 1991 and celebrated 34 years of partnership before his untimely death.
A Life Rooted in Texas
Chris's entire story is steeped in the Lone Star State. From his early days in Fort Worth to his adult life in Dallas, he embodied the Texan spirit of hard work and hospitality. Neighbors still recall his warm greetings on weekend strolls with his golden retrievers, Dexter and Buddy, as well as the unmistakable laugh that echoed from his porch during family barbecues.
Career and Service to Veterans
In 2002, Chris took a decisive turn, joining Benchmark Mortgage as the manager of the company’s second‑oldest branch. Over the next 23 years, he became known not just for his business acumen but for his unwavering dedication to veteran homeownership. He believed that every service‑member who had defended the nation deserved the chance to own a home, a conviction that shaped the branch’s outreach programs.
During his tenure, Chris helped more than 300 veteran families secure mortgages, often navigating complex VA loan requirements that left other lenders stumped. One veteran, "John" (last name withheld for privacy), told a local news outlet in 2020, "Chris didn't just process my loan—he walked me through each step, answered my endless questions, and made me feel like I mattered." Such testimonials underscore why his colleagues called the branch “the veteran hub” of the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex.
Family and Community Ties
Beyond his professional life, Chris was a cornerstone of a large, close‑knit family. He and Shawne raised four children: Nathan Moore, Brandon Moore, Ashley Moore (married to Daniel), and Cadey Moore. Grandchildren Madison and Marlee often spent Saturday mornings listening to his stories or playing board games at the family home.
Extended relatives also gathered around his humor. His brother, Ray Moore, reminisced that Chris could “turn a simple grocery run into a comedy sketch.” Sister‑in‑law Pat Jones and her husband Max Jones often joined the Moores for Mexican‑food nights that Chris claimed were “the best cure for a bad day.”
His love for the outdoors manifested in weekly golf outings, fishing trips on Lake Lewisville, and hunting excursions across Texas. Those who shared a 19th‑hole drink with him described him as “the life of the clubhouse.”
Legacy and Impact
Chris’s influence stretches far beyond the mortgage paperwork he signed. By demystifying VA loans and championing affordable financing, he helped stabilize neighborhoods, especially in the Dallas‑Fort Worth area where veteran families often sought their first home. Economists note that each veteran home purchase can generate an average of $15,000 in local economic activity, meaning Chris’s work likely injected several million dollars into the regional economy.
- 63 years lived, 34 years married to Shawne.
- 23‑year tenure at Benchmark Mortgage.
- Supported over 300 veteran families in homeownership.
- Father of four, grandfather of two.
- Passionate golfer, fisherman, and dog lover.
His former manager at Benchmark Mortgage, Laura Henderson, remarked, "Chris taught us that business is personal. He reminded us daily that a loan is more than numbers; it’s a family’s future."
Remembering Chris Howard Moore
Funeral arrangements were handled by Dignity Memorial, a funeral‑service provider based in Jacksonville, Florida. While specific service details were kept private out of respect for the family, many in the Dallas community plan to honor his memory with a collective donation to the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program, reflecting the cause that defined his career.
The twist is that Chris’s legacy is already shaping the next generation. His eldest son, Nathan, has announced plans to pursue a degree in finance with a focus on veteran affairs, inspired by his father’s example.
In short, Chris Howard Moore lived a life many would call ordinary, yet his ordinary acts—laughing with grandkids, walking his dogs, closing a mortgage—wove a tapestry of extraordinary influence that will be felt for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Chris Moore help veteran families achieve homeownership?
Chris specialized in VA loans, simplifying the application process, negotiating favorable terms, and often covering closing costs. His personal follow‑up ensured veterans understood each step, resulting in over 300 families securing mortgages between 2002 and 2025.
What community activities was Chris known for in Dallas?
He was a regular at local golf courses, a frequent fisherman on Lake Lewisville, and hosted weekend Mexican‑food gatherings with friends and family. His golden retrievers, Dexter and Buddy, were familiar sights on neighborhood walks.
Who survived Chris Moore?
He is survived by his wife, Shawne Moore; children Nathan, Brandon, Ashley (married to Daniel), and Cadey; grandchildren Madison and Marlee; brother Ray; sister‑in‑law Pat and husband Max; brother‑in‑law Tony and wife Kellee; plus numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.
What organization managed the funeral services?
The funeral arrangements were overseen by Dignity Memorial, a nationwide provider headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.
How is Chris’s legacy continuing after his death?
His son Nathan plans to study finance with an emphasis on veteran housing, aiming to extend his father’s mission. Additionally, community members are organizing donations to the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program in his honor.