Menu

The Life of RICKEY LEROY MOODY

Rick Moody went home on April 6, 2012, at the age of 58, following a three-year valiant battle with cancer.

Rick was born August 26, 1953, to Fern and LeRoy Moody. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1971.

When diagnosed with cancer, he retired from a 30-year career with the Des Moines Fire Department. During this time, he served as a Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Arson Investigator, and Fire Marshal, and retired as Assistant Chief. During his 30-year career, he shared in many accomplishments, and served the city and community in numerous capacities. Rick held an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Des Moines Area Community College, and proudly completed the Executive Fire Officer’s Training program at the National Fire Academy.

Rick and his wife, Pam, loved spending time with family. They also loved and cherished their church family. For years, Rick was an avid fisherman and loved camping. A season ticket holder, Rick loved and supported the Iowa Hawkeyes. On occasion, you could find Rick on the weekends clowning with his wife, Sparky, at local nursing homes and churches throughout the Midwest as gospel clowns. The past three years are filled with unbelievable travel stories! He loved to travel wherever he could. Once retired and battling cancer, he took up reading. Nothing like a good book to take your mind off of your worries.

Rick was a devout Christian, turning his cancer journey into his ministry. He loved and worshipped the Lord!

Rick is survived by his wife of over 36 years, Pam; daughters, Crystal Sheeder (Matt) of Pleasant Hill and Heather Schurman of Des Moines; grandchildren, Brandon Houska, Cameron Sheeder and Ali Jo Hogberg; parents, Fern and LeRoy Moody of Ankeny; sister, Debbie Whittie (Mike); father-in-law, Bob Briant; and brothers-in-law, Larry Briant (Nancy) and Robert E. Briant (Verna).

The family wishes to thank Dr. Tom Buroker, Michelle, Pat, and the entire staff at Medical Oncology and Hematology Associates who have become an extension of their family, and also the staff at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Powell 3 for their outstanding love and care. The journey was so much brighter because of them.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., on Monday, April 9, 2012, at Altoona United Methodist Church, 605 5th Avenue SW, Altoona, IA 50009. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 10, 2012, also at the church. Interment will follow the service at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to either John Stoddard Cancer Center, 1221 Pleasant Street, Ste. 450, Des Moines, IA 50309, or Altoona United Methodist Church, in his memory.

Filter RICKEY LEROY MOODY's Timeline by the following Memory Categories