GySgt Kenneth Moody, United States Marine Corps, Ret.

 Kenneth Ray Moody was born October 8, 1930 in Olney, Texas and passed away on March 18, 2013, at the age of 82, in a Temple, Texas Hospital.

Kenneth grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas.  After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served for more than twenty years.  He was a highly decorated Marine.  His many decorations include two awards of the Purple Heart.



After retiring, he worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety for ten years.  He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the DAV.



Kenneth married Joan Crawford on September 2, 1949 in Wichita Falls.  They brought forth a family of two sons, six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-children.




On March 22 an interment service was held at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  When the family arrived for the service, they were welcomed by the Patriot Guard Riders and fifty American flags lining the roadway of the committal shelter.

After the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard  placed Kenneth's cremains, and a folded flag, on a simple table,  the Riders formed a line of flags around the shelter during the ensuing service and military honors.




The Reverend Darren Walker offered final thoughts and prayers to the family.  He spoke of the ceremonial scarf that he wore; decorated with butterflies.  He said he wears it at Easter and at funerals, for the butterflies represent resurrection and freedom.



 After the final prayers,  the American flag that had rested next to the cremains, was unfolded and held aloft by two Non-Commissioned Officers, during the military honors.

 The  detail of seven Non-Commissioned Officers, commanded by a saber-armed Staff Sergeant, fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed immediately by the playing of taps.



 The flag was carefully refolded into a tight triangle and three spent cartridges were tucked into its folds.



The flag was presented to Kenneth's dear wife, by a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, as a symbol of appreciation for Kenneth's service to Country and Corps.



The cremains of Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Kenneth Moody were then buried in a special area on the shoulder of the hill of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff above in his honor.






Left to cherish his memory are his extended family and many other dear friends.




With thanks to Dossman Funeral Home for biographical information and photograph.