Rickey Leroy "Rick" Moody
April 06, 2012
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.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Connie Mascaro/Clifford Pack
06/29/2012
We are just now hearing of Ricks passing. Our deepest and most sincerest condolences to Pam and the family. He'll truly be missed, he was always smiling, laughing, joking and cheerful. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. xo Connie Mascaro & Clifford Pack
Jeanne Kruse
04/12/2012
To the Moody Family,
I am very saddened to hear of your loss of Rick. You have my sincere sympathy and you are in my prayers.
Jeanne Kruse
Retired Des Moines Fire Prevention Bereau Secretary
Tammy Montague
04/10/2012
Pam and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Please know that you are all in my prayers. I loved when Rick would stop and visit us in dispatch, he was such a kind man, and will be missed.
This has been a bittersweat journey for you, but I know that Rick is now with Jesus and is saying, "Wow, this is so amazing!" Jesus keeps his promises!
Take care Pam, if you need to have some girl time coffee and chat, you know my work number and you have my e-mail.
Tammy
Tom Turner
04/10/2012
Pam - I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. He was quite the guy and a great firefighter. I know this has been a trying time but I am grateful that God provided you three more years with your dear Rick before taking him home to rest. I am sorry I was not able to attend the visitation and service but I am having a small medical procedure and am not able to go. Please know you and your family are in our prayers.
Tom Turner
Tim & Cindy Foshe
04/10/2012
Our hearts and prayers are with you and all of the family. We are sorry we cant be there to support you. He's with Jesus now and and he looks like the healthy young man that you married 36 years ago! What a comfort to know that you both will be together again. It still is so very hard to imagine what you must be going through not having him there with you now. We've told our kids before that when we are gone, we've held up the bible and said," here's the road map to where we're going if you want to follow us, and we hope you will". A whole lot of prayers have gone out for Rick these last 3 years and will continue to go out for you Pam. Our church is holding you up in prayer. Love and Hugs Tim & Cindy
Laura Sicklesteel ( aka Molly the Clown)
04/09/2012
Pam and family, may you always treasure the memories of Rick's life, love and laughter you all have shared over the years. Knowing that he'll be waiting to greet you when your time here is through is such an awesome promise from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May you find peace and comfort in one another during this time of reflection.
Molly the Clown
Casey & Mike Glenn
04/09/2012
To the Moody Family:
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He put up a great fight and was always smiling and cheerful. He is at peace and in God's hands now. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mike & Casey Glenn
Jason Zilk
04/09/2012
Rick was a kind person and will be missed.
Dianna Diehm
04/09/2012
I am so saddened to learn of Rick's passing. As you know we met in the 70's. I very quickly learned what a great guy he was. My family & I have many fun memories of him as a young man. We all send our deepest sympathy & love to your families.
Kenny & Brenda Ahern
04/09/2012
Dearest Pam,
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. The Ahern family holds you and your family in our prayers.
We wish you peace.
Kenny, Brenda, Patrick and Natalie
Amy Larson
04/09/2012
Just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I will never forget the week he gave his testimony in church. He really is an inspiration of what it is to live your faith.
Prayers are with you all.
Debbie Fowler
04/09/2012
Just want to express my sincere sympathy on the loss of Rick, but share in the knowledge he's in a better place. Celebrate his LIFE! Love, Debbie
Donna Davilla, Art Supervisor, Des Moines Public S
04/08/2012
Dear Pam,
My condolences go out to you and your family. Rick was a great person to work with and the Des Moines Public Schools were fortunate to have him and the Des Moines Fire Department sponsor the yearly "Fire Prevention Poster Contest." Rick was always looking for a way to honor others' talents and achievements. He will be missed.
Frank Vivone
04/08/2012
I am sorry for your loss. Rick came on a couple years after me and worked on opposite sides of town but I know him because young firefighters talk about their experiences among each other. I saw him mostly while inspecting and at meetings. He was a stand up person, honest, trustworthy and very knowledgable of his job. Frank Vivone Jr.
Donna Marticke Winward
04/08/2012
Many fond memories of our trips to DSM to visit the Moodys. Spent lots of fun times with Debbie and Rick! Thinking of all of the family @ this most difficult time. Sincerely, Donna Marticke Winward