Billy Derby Obituary
Billy V. Derby, age 89, of Council Bluffs, passed away March 2, 2013, at his home.
Billy was born October 12, 1923, in Avoca, Iowa, to the late Scott C. and Madolyn M. (Hageboeck) Derby. He graduated Avoca High School in 1943. Billy proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1949 (WWII). He married Sharon J. Randall, on August 27, 1950, in Avoca. They were blessed with five children. Billy attended Creighton University for two years and Washington University in St. Louis for one year. He had a 42 year career as regional sales manager and sales executive for Standard Blue, retiring in 1992.
Billy was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where he taught Bible School and Sunday School for 35 plus years. He was also a member of American Legion Post #2; longtime Kiwanis Club member; volunteer at Children's Square, U.S.A.; artist, author and famous cane carver. Billy was also instrumental in the building of the Veterans Plaza in Bayliss Park and was awarded the Daily Point of Light Award for his volunteerism.
In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Derby, in 1958; sisters, Geraldine "June" Champlin, Betty Wedel; brothers, Nathan "Ned" and Maurice "Dean" Derby.
Billy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sharon Derby, of Council Bluffs; daughters, Beth (Dan) Jones, of Bangor, Wis., Maureen (Dr. Matthew) Lambert, of Lubbock, Texas, Ellen (Keith) Robertson, of Lake in the Hills, Ill.; son, William G. Derby, of Council Bluffs; 6 grandchildren, Stephanie M. and Kimberly S. Jones, Matthew E. Lambert, II and Sarah J. Lambert, Eric S. and Dana M. Robertson.
Visitation with the family, Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m., at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Funeral service, Thursday, 10 a.m., at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 600 Bluff St. A lunch will immediately follow the service. Graveside service and burial with military honors, Thursday, 2 p.m., in Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Children's Square, U.S.A. or Bethany Lutheran Home.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily Nonpareil.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lynne Califf-Hannon
March 16, 2013
Dear Sharon and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's (Harry) passing. He lived a wonderful life and this should be celebrated. I have known him all of my life and he will be missed.
Chris Harriman
March 14, 2013
Sharon and Family
Please accept my condolances for your loss.
Dennis Butler
March 11, 2013
Sharon and family...
I got to know Billy at a number of places over the years. I enjoyed talking with him at Kiwanis. He was a model for many of us with the many things he did for youth and for the community. He will be missed.
Kim (Moore) Mitchell
March 9, 2013
Dear Sharon and family, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kim (Moore)Mitchell
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Laurie Thomas
March 8, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mr. Derby's passing. He touched a lot of lives, and will be remembered by many as a great Sunday school teacher, and a decent, kind man. Please accept condolences on behalf of all the Johnson family. I grew up with Ellen, and my brother Marty grew up with Billy. Thinking of you all. God Bless.
Council Bluffs Chapter of the NSDAR
March 8, 2013
Daughters of the American Revolution pays a tribute & deepest gratitude to Billy Derby for the sacrifice he made for our country
Chris (Nelson) Reedy
March 7, 2013
Mr. Derby was a wonderful, sweet person and my first Sunday School teacher many years ago at Our Savior's. Prayers for God's perfect peace and comfort to the family. May you all rest in the knowledge that you will be reunited with him again one day in Heaven. God's blessings to you all.
Gary adn Dee Brandt
March 7, 2013
Dear Sharon and family,
We are so sorry t hear of the death of Bill. Please know we share your sorrow, and our prayers are with you. Bill was a wonderful man, and a wonderful Christian. We are so honored to hav eknown him. I am so grteful for wha tyou and bill did for me growing up and taking me to Sunday School each Sunday. what a blessing that was tome, and I will always remember how kind you were. You were wonderful neighbors, and we absolutely thin of you as our best friends. thanks so much for all you have done. May god bless you at this time,and give you the strength you need to get through the days and weeks ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and May God give you the added measure of faith you desperately need at this time.
We love you
Gary and Dee Brandt
Tom Judkins
March 7, 2013
Sharon and all your family: From all the Judkins families we send our sorrows nd cares. Bill was very well liked by our family and he always brought a smile with him and left us with many. I will truly miss talking with him but he will be remembered.
March 7, 2013
Sharon so sorry.We all know and love you and Bill and wish the best for you ...he was a very blessed man...and his family was so blessed by him...love you.
Donna (Ockerman)Edie and family
Kristen Gerhardt
March 7, 2013
I'm very fortunate for having to have known Bill and for everything he taught me. I'm thankful for all of the memories, he will be greatly missed. Sharon and family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeremy Snyder
March 7, 2013
Sharon, you and Bill have been a part of my life since I was a boy. I have fond memories of trick or treating at your house, you and Bill would invite us in out of the cold. I remember when I was your paper boy and discovered that you were also a part of my grandmother's life as well
(Anna Mae Snyder). Sharon, my thoughts are with you.
Debbie Snyder
March 6, 2013
Sharon, Bill was one of a kind he will be missed but we all know he is with Our Lord, and happy and healthy again. All our love to you and your family. He and Anna Mae can shoot the breeze and catch up on old times.
Karen Golden
March 6, 2013
Sharon,
Sending heartfelt thoughts &
prayers to you and your family.
Having grown up in 1 house I feel very blessed to have known "good people" growing up! May God bless you all with loving memories to keep in your hearts!
Kristine Underwood-Birchard
March 6, 2013
I always remember all the the beautiful flowers in the Derby's front yard, Mr. Derby was such a wonderful person. I remember him helping me with a project about flowers. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Knowing that Bill is with our Heavenly Father and taking care of the gardens.
Rebekah (Olson) Krumrie
March 6, 2013
Sharon and family, our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you all. You were a family that left a definite impression in our lives. We were blessed that you were part of our family. I'm glad I had the chance to visit a few years back and that my children also had the opportunity to meet you.
May you always know how much you've meant to us. Love ya!
DAVE HANSEN
March 6, 2013
BILL WILL BE MISSED
Judy Russmann-Griffin
March 6, 2013
What a great loss to the world and to those of us who knew and loved Bill. Our prayers to you and your family.
Robbin Britton Lawrence
March 6, 2013
We were all blessed by the life that Bill left. He touched many hearts. He will be missed. A friend to all he met. Heaven is even a better place now with him in it. I am just sure he will be right there to greet us with his gentle smile. My thoughts and prayers to all.
Gwen Christensen
March 6, 2013
Sharon, Bill and family
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. Heaven has received a great doer of good to watch over you all now. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dana, Gwen, Madi, and Abi
Christensen
carol shelton
March 6, 2013
I've known the Derbys my whole life. I met Taz (that's Ellen for the uninformed) in 2nd grade and were inseparable all thru school. I was at the Derbys as much as I was at home. After school Mrs Derby had crackers & jam for us. I grew up wishing my last name was Derby. All my best memories centered around their house. I ran into Mr Derby once at the store..he was buying flowers for Mrs Derby for the anniversary of their 1st date. Mr & Mrs Derby are the most caring, wonderful people on the planet. I am so sorry he has passed... I have no words..am sobbing.. I wish I could be there...Taz, Bethy,Maureen,Bill, Mrs Derby..I love you guys..Bill. take care of your mom. Give her a hug for me.
winnie Sage
March 5, 2013
Dear Sharon, So sorry to hear about Bill
Bernice Baldauf
March 5, 2013
Thoughts and prayers be with you. Bernice Baldauf (former member of Our Saviors' church] in the 50's and 60's.
Kristin Honz
March 5, 2013
I am sorry to hear about Bill's passing. His service to country and community were an inspiration. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Jim Wiskus
March 5, 2013
Dear Sharon, Bill was an amazing man in this life. Now he lives a new life with the keeper of his heart, Jesus. He is gone from our sight, and as good as new. No need for a cane or medicine. He's standing tall and whole. I can only imagine all the conversations exchanged with saints that have gone on before him. Bill was a wonderful man who loved and lived as Jesus wanted him to. He was and is a great example of what a man should be. Welcome home Bill, welcome home. Jeremiah 29 : 11
Kay Hussa Kastenschmidt
March 5, 2013
Sharon, Beth and family,
Deep Sympathy to all. Fond memories of the wonderful walking canes Bill created, the engaging wit, and kindness. Peace
Annette Kernes
March 5, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
Annette Kernes
(Friend of William)
Donna Olson
March 5, 2013
Deepest sympathies from the Allen and Joyce Olson family from Eleva, WI. You both have always been a special part of our family. RIP Bill.
Cheryl Olson
March 5, 2013
Sharon
Mark & I send our deepest sympathy. God Bless you and your family during this time.
Mike Nielsen
March 5, 2013
Sharon,
I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing, I remember having Bill as my Sunday School teacher and Bill always had a story to tell us. I also remember how you and Bill always had time to visit with my sisters and I. He will be missed.
Larry Charleson
March 5, 2013
It's been a real pleasure to have known Bill Derby,always had a smile for everyone; a real gentalman..He will certainly be missed..
Jerri Underwood
March 5, 2013
Sharon,
You have my deepest sympathy on Bill's death. He was a very special person and a good friend.
Jean M. Dewey
March 5, 2013
Sorry to hear of your father's passing. You're all in my thoughts & prayers.
March 5, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. You will always have the good times to remember. Rojene Kraetsch Grigg
March 5, 2013
Ellen and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Try and remember how blessed you were to have Billy touch your lives and so many others. I know he will be truly missed.
Lori Petersen (Allmon)
Woodmen of the World
March 5, 2013
Mr. Derby was a welcomed presence at Children's Square USA where he shared his talent and quiet dignity with children and staff. We are better for having known him. Sandy Johnson
Penny Ravlin
March 5, 2013
I worked with Sharon in the courthouse for many years and met Bill on several occasions and what an outstanding man. Heaven has just been blessed with an awesome servant!
Aubury Krueger
March 5, 2013
Sharon and family, I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing, he was such an inspiration and a joy to know.
Jerry Bloom
March 5, 2013
I first met Billy Derby through Kiwanis and have always treasured our associations. He was a truly friendly and generous person. he will be missed
Bill Fead
March 5, 2013
Thanks for your Military Service to Our Country.
Past Commander V.F.W.
David Derby
March 4, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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