Lamar Foster Moon

Lamar Foster Moon passed away peacefully at his home on February 27, 2026, at the age of 85. He lived a life defined by faith, brilliance, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Lamar was born to Willis and Pearl Moon on January 26, 1941, in Roosevelt, Utah, alongside his fraternal twin brother, Lamont. He was raised on a ranch in Hanna, Utah, where he helped run sheep and learned early the value of grit, responsibility, and perseverance—qualities that would define him for the rest of his life.

Lamar graduated from Provo High School in 1959, where he was the state champion wrestler his senior year—a reflection of his discipline and determination. Shortly thereafter, he served a two-and-a-half-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands, an experience that deepened his lifelong faith and commitment to service.

On September 14, 1963, Lamar married the love of his life, Diane Lund. Together they built a strong and enduring partnership rooted in devotion, loyalty, and shared purpose. Lamar was not overly expressive with words, but he showed his love through action—by working tirelessly, providing faithfully, and always ensuring Diane and his family were cared for first and foremost.

Lamar pursued higher education with the same intensity he brought to every endeavor. He earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University and went on to receive his PhD from the University of Utah. His brilliant mind and relentless work ethic led him into a distinguished career in aerospace engineering. He worked for Bell Aerospace, Rocketdyne, and Boeing, contributing to rocket engine research and overseeing the development of weapons-power-level chemical lasers. He served as program manager for Rocketdyne’s portion of the National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) program, where he was responsible for developing the most advanced component of the aerospace plane—the cutting-edge supersonic air-breathing engine. Following NASP, he led Rocketdyne’s work on the Air Borne Laser (ABL) program. His contributions placed him at the forefront of aerospace innovation during some of the most ambitious programs of his time.

Yet for all his professional accomplishments, Lamar was happiest building, fixing, and exploring. He rebuilt a Cessna 172 airplane from scraps. He flew ultralights, enjoyed scuba diving, rode mountain and dirt bikes, and loved off-roading in his custom-built Jeeps. He was endlessly mechanical, endlessly capable, and endlessly curious.

More than anything, Lamar was a man who gave. He gave his time. He gave his knowledge. He gave his strength. He was always willing to help a child, a grandchild, a neighbor, or a friend. His hands were rarely still, and his generosity knew no bounds. He believed in showing up, solving problems, and quietly doing what needed to be done.

Lamar is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his four children, Tyler, Marlynn(Sundet), Kimberlee(Beifuss), and Travis; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his twin brother, Lamont, and three siblings, Richard, Ruth(Rogers) and Helen(Gourley). He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elaine(Lowry) and Rachel(Baadsgaard).

He was deeply loved and widely admired. His legacy lives on in the strength of his family, the integrity of his example, and the countless lives he lifted through his quiet service and steady love.

He will be profoundly missed, always remembered, and forever cherished.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 480 Sinaloa Rd. Simi Valley, CA 93065

Viewing at 10:30 am, funeral at 11:30am

Lamar will be laid to rest on Monday, March 16, 2026, Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery, 1124 S. State St. Mt. Pleasant, Utah 84647. Graveside service at 1:00 pm.