Donald Ray Moody was born April 26, 1942, in Merced, CA to Homer Lee and Dovie (Gore) Moody. Don was the fourth of six children, a sister, Una Gay Hayes, and brothers, Wayne, Harold, James, and Edwin. Don lived in a half dozen towns on the West Coast before graduating from Visalia, CA in June 1960. He joined the Air Force in July 1960. He married Carolyn Banik July 9,1961 and from this union three children were born, Michael, Michelle, and Mark. The children were adopted by their stepfather James Cassidy.

During his military career Don was stationed at Lackland AFB and Sheppard AFB, TX, Fairchild AFB, WA, Ellsworth AFB, SD, Guam, Thailand, and Okinawa during the Vietnam War. Don left the Air Force in July 1968. It was while he was stationed in Rapid City that he met and married Viola (Lampert) on February 14, 1969. They made their home in Rapid Valley and helped Vi’s folks on their ranch often and had some cattle on the property in Rapid Valley.

Don and Vi moved to the ranch situated in Jackson County, SD in the spring of 1975 to begin full time work at the Lampert Ranch under the guidance of her parents, Bob and Shirley. Eventually, Don and Vi became the sole owners of the ranch, renamed the Moody Ranch. After the cattle were all sold off, Don and Vi enjoyed the simpler life of traveling, collecting and living between Philip and Rapid Valley. Following the death of Vi, Don continued to stay on the ranch and rent out the pastures to various local ranchers.

He was blessed to reconnect with his daughter, Michelle and husband, Bob Almond in 2016. They enjoyed several years of getting to know each other and spending time together. Due to the dedication of Bob and Michelle in helping Don through many health crises, he was able to stay in his home in Rapid Valley until the last six months.

Don is survived by his children, Michael Cassidy, Michelle (Bob) Almond, and Mark Cassidy; grandsons Jay Almond, Mikey Cassidy, and Michael Cassidy, Jr.; his brother James (Marilyn) Moody; and various nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Viola, his parents, sister and three brothers and his in-laws.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2025 at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment with military honors will be held 2:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.