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
Aurora "Bebop" Krause
04/08/2012
Hi Sparky,
Just a note from your Texas buddy "Bebop" letting you know that I'm thinking about you during this very sad time. I know you and Rick shared a very special love it always showed wheatehr you were together or when you just spoke of him. please know that I am thinking of you and that you're in my prayers.
Your Texas Buddy, Bebop
Rose Albers
04/08/2012
Pam we are sorry for your loss but heaven gained a great person. You have been such an in inspiration in this cancer journey with Rick. We are praying for you and your family as you begin a new journey without Rick but know he is near you every day in your heart.
Kathy Shaver
04/08/2012
So sorry for your loss, Sparky. Sending prayer asking for God's comfort. Kathy Shaver (Silly Sally's mom)
Desi Payne
04/08/2012
Dear Pam,
Thinking of you and your family during this very time. Praying that God will bring you comfort and peace as only He can. Love you, Desi
Don and Benita Puck and family
04/08/2012
At times like this, it's not easy to really "express" our sadness at Rick's passing. Like so many others, we've known you forever. We remember the fun times we had together and how you both had a great sense of humor. I can hear the stories he told and hear his laugh. Rick was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather,son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend to everyone he met. He was also an inspiration to so many. We pray for God to uphold you and your family and to wrap his loving arms around you. And when you ask yourself, "What now?" God will whisper in your ear "I am with you always".
We love you.
Steve and Patti Richter
04/08/2012
We count ourselves lucky to have come to be your friends, linked through our shared fights with cancer. While we only met once, we felt close to you and Rick through our shared thoughts over e-mail. We are with you in spirit and our prayers go out to you and your family.
Ginger Hand
04/08/2012
Pam,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have been in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I pray for the Lord to wrap his loving arms around you and lift you up during this difficult time. We love you.
Ginger and Joey Hand
Hickory, MS
Scott J. Neyens
04/08/2012
Rick and I met in the late 90's when we were both Fire Marshal's. I met Rick at a Hawkeye fire safety conference. We eventually both became board members and met every couple months. Those years spent with Rick and the rest of the board were the most fun times of my career. Mac and I were just laughing about the good times we we had with Rick and Pam at the Hawkeye. Rick was very dedicated to Fire Safety. Rick thanks for the good times. God Speed.
Scott J. Neyens
Assistant Chief - Dubuque Fire
Linda Sanders
04/08/2012
So sorry for your loss Pam. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chris Coleman
04/07/2012
Rick will always be remember by me as the true "public servant". It didn't matter when he clocked in or clocked out - he dedicated his time, energy and career to this community in so many ways. We are clearly a better city for his work; but we will always be a stronger community because of his spirit and character. The Coleman's prayers are with you, Pam and all who loved Rick. God Bless you!
Heather Richards
04/07/2012
Pam, Crystal, and Heather -
Sorry for your loss!
Suffering a loss is never easy! Your dad was never anything but nice and friendly to my family when we were growing up right down the street from each other. I can remember thinking how cool it would be to have a firefighter for a dad! If you need anything, let us know! Our prayers are with your family at this hard time.
God bless!
Heather, Sue and Max Richards
Mike and Jean Roiland
04/07/2012
Rick was a good person and will be deeply missed. Our deepest sympathy.