Robert Dean Derry
1945-2025
Robert Dean Derry, age 79, of Menlo, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning on Jan. 16, 2025, at the Des Moines VA Hospital after a short battle with cancer.
Bob, son of Everett and Elma June (Lewis) Derry, was born on Feb. 28, 1945, in Jefferson. He attended school in Bayard and graduated in the class of 1963.
On June 19, 1964, Bob was united in marriage to Cheryl Binkley. Three children were born to this union: Sheri, Greg and Jeff. Through the years, they lived in the Bayard, Bagley and Monteith areas.
Bob was enlisted in the Iowa National Guard from 1964 to 1970.
He was employed with Oscar Mayer for more than 25 years until they closed in 1988. Afterwards, he attended Southwest Iowa Community College and completed the Ag Industrial Mechanic program in May of 1991. After college, he worked several different jobs around the local area and continued farming and raising livestock.
On July 23, 2009, Bob was united in marriage to Martha Zollars. They lived South of Monteith until his death.
Bob was a true outdoorsman. He would take daily drives around the countryside and would often stop to go for walks to watch wildlife, identify trees, pick up nuts, hunt mushrooms or sit by the creek. Bob loved caring for the animals on his farm, many of which were more like pets. Through the years, he enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles and attending auctions — all of which were passions he shared with his family. Most of all, though, Bob cherished his time spent visiting with family and friends.
Proceeding him in death are his parents: Everett and June Derry; sister: Patricia Derry; and his step-son: Michael Vanhoff.
Bob is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Martha, and three children: Sheri (Randy) McCann, Greg Derry and Jeff (Natalie) Derry; six grandchildren: Zach (Amy) Derry, Levi (Shay) Derry, Kylie (Dathan) Smerchek, Emily McCann (Tyson Creswell), Trey Derry and Trever Derry; nine great-grandchildren: Aries, Alala, Lane, Colt, Nylah, Kane, Kora, Alivia and Emerson; six brothers: Ron (Joan), Lanny (Lois), Mike (Sherrie), Steve (Suzann), Rod (Brenda) and Andy (Tracy); two brother-in-laws and three sister-in-laws; and step-son, Leroy, along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives who dearly loved him.
A Celebration of Life and Heavenly 80th Birthday will be held Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at the Guthrie Activity Center, 209 State St., Guthrie Center.