Jack Hall Derdeyn

FORT WORTH - Jack Hall Derdeyn died peacefully on May 27, 2024 at the age of 100. Always a gracious southern gentleman with a heart as big as Texas, Jack lived life to the fullest. He was an uncommon man who lived an uncommonly full life and never lost the common touch. He smiled easily, spoke slowly and softly, and laced his conversation with humor. Jack Derdeyn was a charismatic charmer, an eloquent negotiator, and an avid outdoorsman.
Jack was an adoring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cherished brother, uncle, committed friend, and devout Catholic. Born August 15, 1923 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Maurice and Lucille Derdeyn, he was the 4th of six children. He went to junior college and then signed up for the Army Air Corps (Air Force) to serve as a bombardier in World War II. Fortunately, he became a trainer stateside, and never had to serve overseas. After his tour ended, he finished his degree at the University of Arkansas where he met Demetra Bradshaw, his wife of 76 years, and his future business partner, Jim Buckley. He began his professional career as president of the Chamber of Commerce, first in Searcy, then in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He convinced Demetra to drop everything and with their baby son, they moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to found the Texas Chili Company. "Chili Jack" and Jim Buckley, with the help and patience of their wives, built the company together, and although there were some really lean years, it became a prosperous venture. With a few more companies bought and sold on the side, "Chili Jack" sold the business and retired after 30 years.
Next to God and his family, he loved hunting and fishing, which he did as often as possible. Although he made the cover of Forbes magazine for his innovative agricultural work while with the Chamber of Commerce, Jack was on the national news for his "fight" with a whale. While fishing in Alaska with his buddy George Gleason, their boat was upended by a humpback whale. The way Jack told the story he fought for his life and the whale just kept gliding past him. Hypothermia, compressed vertebrae and a few broken ribs made for a whale of a tale. He told many a story about his hunting and fishing adventures with his pals, and enjoyed many great friendships with his card-playing buddies, life­ long friends and neighbors.
He was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Serra Club, Elks Club, and Meals on Wheels. But without question, Jack Derdeyn's real satisfaction and love was his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Demetra, an unabashedly proud father of their two children, John Leslie Derdeyn (Cynthia) and Demetra Anne "D'Anne" Derdeyn Redmon (David, predeceased), his grandchildren, Patrick Derdeyn (Laura), Maggie Derdeyn Hadden (Jon), Caitlin Derdeyn Bauer (Martin), Kelli Redmon Weitzel (Rob), and April Redmon (Kate); his great-grandchildren, Reese and Harper Derdeyn; Jack, Scarlett, and Scott Weitzel; Wesley and Delaney Hadden; and Alice and Jack Bauer. Jack was a loving brother to Marguerite Radkiewicz (Bob), as well as a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Maurice and Lucille Derdeyn, his brothers Maurice (Lolly), Robert (Betty) and Donald (Lorraine) Derdeyn, and his sister Blanche (William) Blackburn.
Rosary: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Greenwood Memorial Park following services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Holy Family Church.