John Derby

January 31, 1936  – March 25, 2021

John Derby, born January 31, 1936 in Modesto, California to Bill and Eleanor Derby, passed away March 25, 2021 after a short illness.

John was a longtime Ceres resident.

He married Marjorie McKnight of Ceres in 1955, and they would have celebrated their 66th anniversary on April 3.

John spent 59 years working for the George Reed companies. He retired as a vice president only to quickly return as a consultant and was still employed until his passing. He was credited as a man with an amazing work ethic and honesty. His standards were high but he possessed a great sense of compassion for those who needed help of any kind.

John had belonged to the Elks Club but his greatest concern and caring was the Modesto Salvation Army Red Shield Center. It gave him great pleasure to see that children and families that were in need received services and a safe place in their south Modesto neighborhood. 

John is survived by his wife, Marge Derby of Ceres; his son, David Derby of Oakdale; and two daughters, Sherri Lopez of South Lake Tahoe and Sherril Brice of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. He was also blessed with seven grandsons, one granddaughter and two great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Steven Derby. 

If it is your wish the family knows he would appreciate any donation going to Modesto Salvation Army Red Shield Center, P.O. Box 580480, Modesto CA 95358 (memo line: Steven Derby Scholarship Fund or the general fund, if you wish.)

Donations to any other favorite charity of yours would have also pleased him. He believed in helping many needs. 

–Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Wednesday, March 31, 2021