Charles "Chuck" C. Derry

Charles (Chuck) Derry was born December 4, 1934 in Rippey to Melvin Vern and Lorene (Johnson) Derry. He died on July 11, 2026 in Jefferson.

Chuck grew up in rural Rippey. He graduated from Rippey High School in 1952.

He married Melba Ann Shipley on July 31, 1953. The couple lived in Perry until Chuck entered the United States Army in 1957. He was stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and honorably discharged in 1959.

When Chuck and Melba returned to Iowa, they purchased a farm and built their home in Rippey, near where he had grown up. They raised their children, Jeffrey Alan and Julie Lynn, on the farm. Chuck lived there until age 90.

Chuck spent his life farming. During the winter he worked as a mechanic for the Rippey Chevy dealership. Later he delivered Winnebago motor homes, allowing him to travel the country, which he loved. He was active in the community, served on the East Greene School Board, and was a member of the Rippey United Methodist Church.

Chuck loved life and the people around him, especially his beautiful wife and grandchildren. Whatever activities his children (and later grandchildren) were involved in, Chuck and Melba would be there cheering them on. He also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, playing blackjack and bingo, camping, and NASCAR.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Melba, his parents, brother LaVere Derry, and sister Velda Demoss. He is survived by his children Jeff Derry (Karin) of Ankeny, and Julie Derry of Grand Junction; grandchildren Jared Dobney (Chelsea) of Fort Dodge, David Derry of Des Moines, Ben Allen (Tia) of Churdan, Jessica Brown (fiancé Steven Gade) of Waukee, Joseph Derry (Deni Baird) of Rochester, Minnesota, and Karleen Derry of Ankeny; great-grandchildren London, Fox, Charlie, Emery, Wrenly, Maisie, and Kylen; sisters-in-law Beverly Derry of Rippey, and Alice Shipley of Glenwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Perry Chapel, 1721 Park Street, Perry, IA. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Rippey Cemetery in Rippey. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.