The procrastinator in the family (Duane) finally speaks.  Derald had to contend with that every time Dad asked us to do something requiring manual labor.  During the time I wasted trying to find an easier way, Derald would usually have the chore done.  We brothers did a lot of field work for neighboring farmers, and he was our motivator, whether through mud, heat, or just plain exhaustion.  It was always a gentle persuasion, though.
One summer day, Derald was driving our pickup about 45 mph over country roads with me sitting on the lowered tailgate.  When we went over an intersection, the chains came loose which caused my bare feet to burn, so I let go and tumbled backward until landing in a ditch.  Derald was sure that he had brain damaged me because I was walking the other direction.  I was actually going back to find my slingshot.  He loved to tell that story for years, as he did about running over Gary's leg while rounding up escaped sheep.
No, Derald didn't always hurt us.  We had in-numeral fun adventures along the creek and river next to home, including some risky ones during flooding.  I remember thinking that Derald would save me if I drowned while learning to swim by thrashing across a deep hole in the river.  Fortunately, we didn't have to find out.
Most of our family of eight played in Sullivan H.S. band, including Derald on the baritone. Juanita, LaVonne (Bonnie) and Derald had significant influence on me and Gary, so we also enjoyed several fun years with the band. 
I love and respect all my siblings.  Each one has unique qualities to be proud of.  And, Derald definitely got his fair share!  
I will add to the other wonderful tributes, by thanking God for such loving parents, and for blessing me with loving siblings.

Everyone else has already written most of what I was going to share about my awesome big brother, but I want to add a few specifics.
Derald was not only a devoted family man, he cared for others as well. For example, I'm sure he donated gallons of his blood to the Red Cross over his lifetime,provided elderly ladies rides to and from church, and distributed tracts door-to-door to invite people to his church. Derald and Fran took their elderly parents into their home to care for them at various times over the years – a tremendous, loving sacrifice that isn't practiced very often now days. Ephesians 5:2 commands us to “live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ.”  And, that's exactly what Derald & Fran did!
Who knows how many dozens of eggs he deviled over the years for church potlucks & other gatherings!  Every time I look at an egg, I think of him.
Derald put the Energizer Bunny to shame! He had such an adventuresome, daring spirit – a real whirlwind of activity, whether at work or play. I recall one trip to an abandoned ski slope in Colorado when I was in my late teens. Derald decided that it would be much more fun for us to go down the mountain on a toboggan – standing up together! He talked me into it but I bailed off when I thought we were getting too close to the trees and large boulders. Derald fearlessly rode it to the bottom unharmed, whereas, I ended up with a stiff neck from my tumble! He also loved racing up and down Vail Mountain on foot and by bike with his grandchildren, and he broke his thigh bone while skateboarding with his grandsons. I truly believe that Derald squeezed every ounce of living he could from his life…a true inspiration to me and so many others!
After Derald retired, we enjoyed visiting with each other over the phone 1-2 times a week and exchanged emails frequently every week. He always gave me encouragement and made me laugh. Oh, how I miss that now!  He definitely put Ephesians 4:29 into practice: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV)
Heaven is an even brighter place now that Derald is there, and I look forward to the day when we'll all be reunited!

All of the wonderful and heartwarming comments about my brother are so true.  I will miss Derald so much, not just because he was my brother,but for the kind of man he was – kind to all, help anyone that needed help,unbounded love for his family, patriotic love for our country, and so many more outstanding humanitarian qualities.  I will always remember him with his big smile which he did a lot.

My greatest memories are from our trips to Vail every June. I remember waiting in my parents front yard eagerly awaiting for Gram and Granddad to arrive from Louisiana. We would have the best time in Vail, from hiking and swimming to packing the whole family into one room. He was so proud of each person in our family and was so happy to get to spend that quality time with us growing up. I will never forget those trips and each year in June we will continue to spend time there as a family and remember what a great impact you had on all of our lives. 

I love you so much and miss you already. I cant wait for the day we see you again but we will always know you are with us and hope you will be by our side each year during Vail as we hike and play in the mountains.

My deepest sympathy to all of the family. I thought very highly of Derald, and always enjoyed talking with him at family gatherings. His positive attitude and happy spirit made me smile. I will miss him. Rest in peace Derald, until we all meet again. 
God's Blessings,
Megan Scholl

Derald,I just can't seem to find the right words to express how much you are already missed by not only me but by with no doubt every person that ever had the privilege of knowing you,having you as part of my family has been nothing less than a true honor.To say you are a good man is a huge understatement,I can't imagine ever knowing a better man,Godspeed Derald Jennings     Love and Respect,Wm D.Scholl

It was my honor and privilege to take care of such a wonderful human being who had so obviously touched positively so many lives.  My sincere sympathies to his equally wonderful and supportive family. Thank you Mr. Jennings and family for making my job such an enriched path.

I always looked forward to seeing Uncle Derald, he was genuinely interested in other people's lives and he seemed to a have positive impact on all of those he met.  He will be missed.  My thoughts are with those closest to him, let the best parts of his memory strengthen you in the years to come.

Love, Drew Jennings

What a legacy, Uncle Derald.  Your easy laugh, contagious smile, and endless positive enthusiasm are a part of us all.  Your love for God, family, and country makes us want to be more like you.  You lived the saying, "Preach the Gospel 24/7, when necessary, use words."   We love you and miss you beyond words.

Love and peace to Derald, a Christian man, who loved his family with all of his heart.  What a special man--whose kindness and gentleness flowed from him effortlessly. Derald was a wonderful brother-in-law who led the Jennings family with love and grace. You will be greatly missed by me and all your family, Derald.

I have always looked up to Derald and admired him for his great strengths.  Because he was the oldest brother I watched him carefully as I was growing up.  He was my hero. As we both grew older, Derald continued to impress me and I learned some important life lessons from him.  God and his family were the things that he always put first.  Almost everything he did was for his family or helping his church and other people.  Derald's own needs and desires came in after those of others.  During his illness Derald exemplified great strength and faith. Derald continued to care for his family and work in the church.  Instead of complaining he made the most out of each and every day.  Even to the end, Derald exemplified the life of a faithful Christian and once again, was a role model for his family.  
Dear Brother, you will be missed by me and everyone who got the pleasure of knowing you. 
Love You

Derald was a kind, soft-spoken man with a heart as big as the outdoors.  He was an awesome 'Grandad' to my children and step children.  For that, I'll always be grateful.  Through good times and not-so-good times, he treated me like family.  He was a man of integrity, class, and an outstanding role model, who put God first and family a close second.  He leaves a void that cannot be filled.  He'll be missed.

Uncle Derald, I will miss you.  Your witty stories and positive attitude made me smile and reminded me that life is what you make of it.  You will live on in my heart and will continue to be a positive influence on my life.  Love you.

I will miss you Uncle Derald.  You were always so positive with such a great outlook on life. I always loved your stories of long bike rides, runs and hikes.  You were a very special person - one of a kind. Proud to count you as family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.  Derald was always such a positive person and always had that fabulous smile on his face which I am sure he is displaying for all those he has joined in his and our final home.  His heart was as big as Colorado and he will be missed.  
Love to you all,
Linda

May God's love and blessings give peace to your hearts.

Love you and will miss you very much Uncle Derald. Such a kind hearted and uplifting person. A blessing to have had you in our lives. you will remain in our hearts forever!!

Being next door neighbors to Derald & Fran has been a blessing and a pleasure.
We will miss Deralds positive outlook on life.

Derald brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget the encouragement he poured out onto all. We share in the comfort he is no longer suffering. We prayed for healing....but understand God needed a new master gardener in heaven. We will miss him.   John, Darlene, and John Ryan Bartlett  Mattoon, IL.

YOU HAVE TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES IN SUCH AN AMAZING WAY AND YOU WLL BE MISSED. MARILYN DONAHOO ( DALE'S SPOUSE)

In loving memory of our brother-in-law Derald; thank you for caring for our sister Fran and your family for the past 58 years and beyond. You've been a Christian gentleman and always honored our Lord Jesus! Thank you. In Christian Love and Prayers for Fran and the family, Chuck & Carolyn

OBITUARY

Derald L. Jennings

November 30, 1935 – April 18, 2014

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland

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