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BORN
1948
DIED
2026
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Michael Derendinger Obituary
Aug 18, 1948 - Jan 17, 2026
Michael Lee Derendinger, age 77, of Holts Summit, MO, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Capital Region Medical Center.
Michael was born on August 18, 1948, to George and Elaine (Rasmussen) Derendinger in Boonville, MO, and married Sharon (Snow) in 1967.
He was an exceptional teacher and lifelong pilot, with a career and lifetime marked by accomplishment, teaching, honesty, and integrity. He taught Aviation and Biology in Boonville; was Assistant Chief Flight Instructor and later Chief Pilot at CMSU in Warrensburg; became an instructor at Flight Safety Internation in Wichita, KS; then flew for the Missouri Department of Conservation from 1986 through 2005, retiring as Chief Pilot.
After retiring, he continued to be an instructor and pilot for multiple organizations, held membership in several associations including the IANRP, and was an FAA Examiner for 27 years. In his free time, he could often be found in nature. Most importantly, he loved sharing his life with Sharon and visiting their children and grandchildren.
He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by the countless people he impacted as a teacher, community member, and family man.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Sharon; their children and families Kevin and Anita (Veale), Aaron and Babette (Smith), and Whitney and Deborah (Hearst); and their grandchildren Wyatt Evan, Jacob Michael & Sydney Grace, and Eden Elaine Derendinger.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 11:00 AM at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin, followed by interment at Clark's Chapel Cemetery, and a celebration of life at The Mercantile at 505 Main Street, Boonville. Those not able to attend the funeral or burial are welcome to visit at The Mercantile.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Capital Region Medical Center and Compassus Hospice Care. Anyone wishing to make a memorial is encouraged to support Clark's Chapel Cemetery and Compassus Hospice Care.
Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.
Markland-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve the Derendinger family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Derendinger
4 Entries
Jim maxwell
January 20, 2026
I met Mike in 1981 as a freshman at CMSU. Mike was the chief flight instructor for the university. Mike was always there to help at any time. I don´t remember him ever ending a conversation with the word no! He was a great mentor and someone a young person could look up too. Mike also coached or flight team to the national champion in 1982.
I am now nearing the end of a 38 year career in aviation with Delta Airlines. I know that without mikes guidance and mentoring, I would not have gotten to where I am. Fare seas and following winds my friend. You were truly the definition of an aviator.
The picture was taken in 1982.
Mike is in white standing next to the prop. I am standing next to him. Everyone in that picture had a successful career in aviation!!
Jim maxwell
January 20, 2026
I met Mike as a freshman at CMSU in 1981. I was a new flight student hoping to someday become a commercial pilot. Mike was our chief flight instructor at the university. He was a true mentor to all of us who knew him.
I don´t ever remember a conversation with Mike that ended in a no!!! He coached our flight team in 1982 and helped lead us to the national championship. He was quiet and unassuming but lead by example.
I am nearing the end of my 38 year career with Delt Airlines. I have zero doubt that I owe a lot to Mike for helping me achieve my goal. Fare winds and following seas my friend!!! You truly were one of the great ones!!!!! God bless you........
Robert D. Mock, former co-worker CMSU
January 20, 2026
Proud to have had an association with such a commendable, capable, energetic and inspiring individual in the UCM(CMSU)AviationProgram, Warrensburg, Mo. May his decendents continue his traits being of such fine human qualities.
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Markland-Yager Funeral Home - New Franklin3855 Highway 5 North P.O. Box 126, New Franklin, MO 65274
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