COLUMBUS
Funeral services for Cleo Leroy Moody, 96, of Columbus, IN was held Monday, December 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton; burial with military honors followed at the Belle Fountain Cemetery in Tracy, Iowa. Visitation was held at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Memorials may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Belle Fountain Cemetery in Tracy, Iowa.
Cleo’s service may be viewed on Cleo’s obituary page on the funeral home website.
Cleo was born September 6, 1924 in Tracy, Iowa to Raymond John and Jennie Ethel (McCombs) Moody. He was the second child born and there would be eight more to follow. He grew up in Tracy, where he attended school. Cleo joined the Army in 1945 to fight for his country during WWII. The discipline and patriotism learned during his two years of service remained with him throughout his life. After the war, Cleo married Mary Ellen Downard on March 30, 1947. The love and commitment displayed over the next 73 years are an inspiration to all. Cleo and Mary were blessed with two wonderful daughters. In their early years of marriage, Cleo took whatever jobs were available. He began working as a coal miner in 1950 in Tracy, Iowa. His work brought his family to Indiana in 1963 where he worked at Peabody Coal, operating the largest dragline in the world. He retired in 1990. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, and the UMWA.
Those who knew Cleo will remember his strong character and welcoming smile. Cleo worked 7 days a week to provide for his family. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, attending sporting events especially if his grandchildren were playing. He was a true St. Louis Cardinals fan and attended many games. He also loved traveling and spending time with his family. After retirement, Cleo and Mary enjoyed jumping in the car for their next adventure, as well as extended visits with his siblings.
Cleo is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Ellen (Downard) Moody; his children: Shirley Ann (David T.) Chadd and Sheila Irene (Edward L.) McCammon; sisters: Helen Shrader and Ethel (Dick) Dishman: brothers: Raymond Moody, Kenneth (Joyce) Moody, and David (Chris) Moody: grandchildren: David (Salina) Chadd, Lisa (Steve) Mayer, Sarah (Tim) Smith, Douglas (Cindy) McCammon, Jennifer (Jerry) McKinnon, Nicholas (Kristy) McCammon, and honorary grandson Coty Downard; great grandchildren: Ethan Wallace, Zachary Mayer, Andrew Mayer, Lydia McCammon, John McKinnon, Braylee McKinnon, Colten McKinnon, Adara McCammon, Mackenzie Streeval, Shaiann Chadd, and Jacob Chadd; great great grandchildren: Shaylinn and Ariel McKinnon; and several nieces and nephews.
Cleo was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill and Carl; and sisters Thelma Barnard and Grace Stewart.
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure!
