Jeffrey "Jeff" Derby

The kind soul of Jeffrey “Jeff” Derby, 43, of Marshalltown, formerly of Elberon, went to his heavenly home on Friday, December 31, 2021 after his untimely passing at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. While he will be deeply missed by many, we can rejoice in knowing he has been united with his Heavenly Father. Funeral services for Jeff will take place on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at New Hope Christian Church in Marshalltown with Pastor Dave Martin officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Waltham Cemetery in Elberon, Iowa. Friends and family are also invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, January 16 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to his wife, Kena for later designation. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. For those unable to attend, services will be available at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell-Family-Funeral-Home-99280714047/. Jeffrey Lynn Derby was born on December 12, 1978 in Marengo, Iowa to parents Darrel and Miva (Hilton) Derby. He grew up alongside his five siblings in Elberon and he graduated from Benton Community High School in Van Horn in 1997. Jeff went on to attend Trinity Bible College, where he studied youth ministry and biblical studies. It was at Trinity Bible College where he met the love of his life, Kena Blissard. They were united in marriage on April 10, 2004 at Dysart Assemblies of God Church. They made their home in Toledo for one year, followed by 11 years in Elberon, where Jeff worked at Benton Community High School until God called them to Marshalltown. Jeff worked at Marshalltown Community College for several years before taking a position at Lydall in November as a sorter. More than anything, Jeff loved his wife, his Jesus and his church. Church was more than a place for Jeff and Kena, it was their family. They were heavily involved in many areas, including young adult ministry and community outreach. Jeff was passionate about teaching the Bible and loved spending time in worship, particularly enjoying Christian Rock music. Jeff had a deep interest in history and government and how the United States was founded in faith. He was a weather enthusiast and attended a storm spotter class. He also loved bowling. Jeff had a passion for hockey, a diehard St. Louis Blues supporter. He was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Denver Broncos fan. Jeff will be remembered for his great sense of humor and ability to make people laugh. He enjoyed taking selfies and making silly faces. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 17 years, Kena; his parents, Darrel and Miva Derby of Elberon; his siblings: Dan (Jennifer) Derby of Belle Plaine, Chris (Makenzie) Derby of Traer, Stephanie Derby of Belle Plaine, Andrew Derby of Elberon and Nick Derby of Elberon; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; his dog, Josie and his cat, Sable. In eternal life, Jeff is reunited with his grandparents; inlaws: Karen Portwood and Bill Blissard; his uncle Bill, aunts Peggy and Lois; cousin, Ashley and fur babies, Noel and Shelby.