Derf Fred Eukel

Derf "Rabbi" Fred Yochanan Eukel, age 75, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away at 8:57 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was born on October 26, 1949, in Tacoma, Washington, the son of Donald Dean and Patricia Gloria (Pace) Eukel.
Derf graduated high school in 1967 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended college at Life Bible College in California and Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. Derf was the Rabbi at River Rising Messianic Congregation in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.
On March 21, 1999, he married Delores J. Bowling-Doty, in Halltown, Missouri.
Derf is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dee; two sons, Benjamin and Eric of Kansas City, Missouri; three daughters, Sheila Phelan and her husband, Chris, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, Michelle Gettler and her husband, Chris, of Wentworth, Missouri and Melissa Doty of Flemington, Missouri; one sister, Beth Eukel-Nutter of Yakima, Washington; one brother, Donald Eukel, Jr. and his wife, Tonya, of Mandeville, Louisiana; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Derf was preceded in death by his parents, Donald, and Patricia; one sister, Dereesa Postlethawaite and two brothers, David, and Dwayne Eukel.
Yochanan, zt"l,(May his memory be for a blessing) passed from this life to Life Eternal shortly after completing the Aaronic Benediction while studying scripture as he did every morning with his beloved wife. A lifelong believer and follower of Messiah Yeshua (the given name of GOD's only begotten son) he was a scholar and teacher. Yochanan, zt"l, led River Rising Messianic Congregation for nearly 24 years. Serving as Rabbi(teacher), he had the honor of weekly teaching and leading others in a complete understanding of GOD's word, and plan for redemption through his Son Yeshua. His passing from this life-to-Life Eternal while bittersweet, will be celebrated by those who knew him while he is at last embraced by his Savior and Messiah.
A graveside service under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to River Rising Congregation 541 Country Lane, Mount Vernon, Missouri 65712.
Online condolences may be shared at this website.