John Donald “Don” Moody, the son of John Wesley and Katie Annetta (Knierim) Moody, was born February 18, 1936, in Rock Port, Missouri. Don attended Rock Port High School, Rock Port, graduating in 1954. On October 29, 1954, Don entered the United States Army and served his country for two years, receiving his honorable discharge on October 6, 1956.

On October 20, 1956, Don was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Johnita Ann Fuelling, at First Lutheran Church, Rock Port. They became the parents of four daughters, Dawn, Debra, Diane, and Dona. They made their home in Omaha, Nebraska, while Don was attending Universal Trade School. After graduation, Don was employed as a mechanic in the Hamburg, Iowa, and Rock Port areas.

In 1958, the couple moved back to Omaha, where Don was employed by Metropolitan Stage Equipment Company. He worked as a professional “Stage Hand” constructing permanent and temporary stages for high schools, colleges, and concerts in the Midwest. This also included the Orpheum Theatre, Civic Auditorium and Aksarben in Omaha, as well as movie sets in the Omaha area. He always made sure things were done safely and correctly.

Following Don’s retirement in early 2000s, he and Johnita returned to the family farm north of Rock Port and farmed until the present time. Don passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020, in Omaha, at the age of 84.

Don was one of the oldest members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 42 of United States and Canada. He was also a member of the South Omaha Eagles, the South Omaha American Legion Post #0331, and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Omaha Post #247. Don enjoyed farming, tilling the dirt, and planting the seed. He enjoyed his dogs, motorcycles, guns, tractors, but especially loved his family and getting them all together for holidays and special events. This mountain of a man lived life his way.

Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane Tonigan and son-in-law, Eric Tonigan, D.D.S.; and brother, Dean Moody. Survivors include wife, Johnita Moody, Rock Port; children, Dawn (Doug) Lynch, Bellevue, Nebraska, Debra (Jerry) Campos, Papillion, Nebraska, and Dona Braniff (fiancé Danny Spidell), Omaha; grandchildren, Meghan, Ryan, Jason, Jennifer, Stefanie, Danielle, Jacqueline, Andrew, Rebecca, Thomas, Ashlee, and Brooke; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dorothy Arlene Moody, Herman, Nebraska; and special nephews, Larry Dean Moody and Donald Dean Moody. 

A private service was held in January 2021, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Interment was at Linden Cemetery, Rock Port. Military rites were under the auspices of Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Scholarship Fund (please note in memo: Don Moody). This will be used for individuals pursuing agricultural education. Checks may be sent to: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 22186 State Hwy. B, Westboro, MO 64498. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.