On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, Charles Roland Derby, a beloved
husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away.
Roland was born to Marlin and Ingrid Derby on July 29, 1935. He was the
eldest of one brother and five sisters. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from
Metropolitan State University (Denver, Colorado) and a Master’s Degree
from Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg). He went on to
become a distinguished educator in the Lakeland R-III School District.
While still living in Denver, Colorado, he met Geraldine Tally at church.
They fell in love, and eventually they married. Geraldine passed away in
2007, and Roland was heartbroken.
Roland was active at the First Baptist Church in Osceola, and he regularly
volunteered to work at church, charities, and the St. Clair County Food
Banc. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and playing softball. As a matter of
fact, he was one of the best softball pitchers in the Lowry City area! Roland
also loved reading novels set in the wild west. He enjoyed teasing children,
and he especially enjoyed telling them that he would feed them fried worm
sandwiches and chocolate covered grasshoppers. He is survived by his
children, Kellie, Kim, and Ken. His youngest daughter, Kathy, passed away
in 2002. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. The visitation will be held on Saturday, November 5, at
1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Osceola. The memorial service will
be held in the same location on Saturday, November 5, at 2:00 pm. The
family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of
contributions to the St. Clair County Food Banc
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