In loving memory of

Derek C. Jacobus
May 3, 1975 - May 6, 2018

Derek Clarke Jacobus, 43, of Lewistown, IL passed away, Sunday May 6, 2018 at Graham Hospital in Canton after a long year and a half hard-fought battle with cancer. With the support of family and friends by his side, Derek left to be with the Lord. Derek was born on May 3rd, 1975 in Peoria.
He is survived by his father David (Carolyn) Jacobus, brother Aaron (Amy) Jacobus, sister Amy (Curtis) Rushing, sisters Candace (Galen) Hanson and Carrie (Nick) Braden, and brother Derek (Cassie) Juliusson. Also surviving are nieces Blair Jacobus and Peyton Rushing, and nephews Sage and Wyatt Rushing.
While attending Lewistown High School, Derek was an active FFA member, participated in football, basketball, and track, and worked on his family farm. He graduated in 1993. After high school, Derek received his Associates Degree in Ag Science from Spoon River College in 1995. He then followed his dream, and returned to farming.
Derek was an active part of the community serving 10 years as the Fulton County Fair Board Director, was a trustee official for Lewistown township, and President of the Northern Illinois Colt Racing Association.
No secret to the people who loved him, Derek loved life. His uncanny way of seeing things clearly and knowing just what to do helped him succeed in every area of his life. From race horses, to farming, hunting, and agriculture, Derek saw beauty in everything. For those of us left behind we will remember him for his quick smile, hard work, strength, intellect, and his ability to see everything in a positive light. Above all his main priority in life was helping others, bringing him joy to help those in need, whatever that need might be. Derek... you will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 9, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made out to the St. James Episcopal Church in Lewistown.
To leave online condolences or to view Derek's video tribute, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Cynthia (Landis) Olson wrote on May 20, 2018:

"Dave and family, I am so sorry for your loss. The tribute video was very beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Cynthia (Landis) Olson"

Cheryl wrote on May 18, 2018:

"My sincere condolences for your loss. May God be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Ps. 94:19 "When anxieties overwhelmed me, You comforted and comforted me.""

Holly Thum wrote on May 9, 2018:

"Carolyn and Dave and families, Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Joe and Holly Thum"

John and Avis janes wrote on May 9, 2018:

"Dave, We are so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a wonderful son. John and Avis (Lawson) Janes"

Sharon (Nebergall) Bosserman wrote on May 9, 2018:

"Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss! How difficult to lose a child! You and your families are in my prayers! Good to see the pictures of all the good times! Keep those memories close to your heart! Sharon (Nebergall) Bosserman"

Nancy L. Rabel wrote on May 9, 2018:

"My deepest condolences to the family. Derek always seemed to have fun at whatever he did. Blair-hugs to you. I know how much your uncle meant to you. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy, Micah & Cale "

Ketra (Graham) Mayer wrote on May 9, 2018:

"Carolyn and David I am SO sorry for the loss of Derek. I remember having your sweet children in grade school. My heart breaks for all of you. "

Corby schnarr wrote on May 8, 2018:

"To all the family....I am so, so, sad,and sorry for your lose of one of the best guys I know,a friend and a brother...rest n piece my friend I will miss u always... DROCK ????"

Corby schnarr wrote on May 8, 2018:

"To all the family....I am so, so, sad,and sorry for your lose of one of the best guys I know,a friend and a brother...rest n piece my friend I will miss u always... DROCK ????"

Mark Lipcaman wrote on May 8, 2018:

"Susan and I send our deepest condolences to the Jacobus family during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers to you all. Mark and Susan Lipcaman"

Mark Lipcaman wrote on May 8, 2018:

"Susan and I send our deepest condolences to the Jacobus family during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers to you all. Mark and Susan Lipcaman"

Judy Pschirrer Crosby wrote on May 8, 2018:

"So very sorry for the loss of Derek. He leaves so many good memories to share. Thoughts and prayers are with the family."

Sandra Gordon wrote on May 8, 2018:

"My heart aches for all of Derek?s family. I had Derek, Aaron, and Amy in class and share the same last name. Love and prayers sent to all of you. Sandra Gordon (Ms J)"

Diana M. Wade wrote on May 8, 2018:

"My daughter Jennifer and I are so very sorry. Derek was taken far too soon. What a wonderful person and a pleasure to know. Diana M. Wade - Jennifer K. Wade"

Jackson Family wrote on May 8, 2018:

"We would like to express our deepest sympathy. Death is something we will never get used to. In fact, God's word refers to death as a enemy. (1Corinthians 15:26). Very soon this enemy will be brought to nothing. Giving us the wonderful privilege to see our dear loved ones again. May these words comfort all."

Autumn West wrote on May 8, 2018:

" MY thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. The day I saw Derek at the doctor, and his encouraging words before he left have stayed with me ever since... they always will. May you find peace in knowing that he helped so many- Autumn West"

Alison Conrady wrote on May 7, 2018:

"Dear Amy and family We are so sorry for your loss . He is now a angel and watching over all of you . The tribute video was very beautiful ! He is riding horses up above the clouds . Just remember he is always with you . I will pray for you and your family. He looks like he was just a amazing person . We are so sorry for your loss. Love and hugs from all of us, Tony, Alison, AJ, Alexandra Conrady "

Dana Williams wrote on May 7, 2018:

"So very many fond memories of Derek, the most prominent is that he is the last one I had a tractor ride with. Our very sincere condolences, we will keep you family in our thoughts and prayers. Todd & Dana Williams"

Tom & Dana Ford wrote on May 7, 2018:

"So sorry for the loss to your family--cannot fathom the ache that is left. Our prayers are with you all. Share the memories you have and Derek will always be with you. "

Robyn Martindale Smith wrote on May 7, 2018:

"What an amazing tribute to your brother, Derek! These pictures, songs....memories are just a glimpse of what you have all shared together. Life is short but he is finally pain free. Thinking and praying for you all! With sincere condolences, Robyn (Martindale) Smith"

Anna Parkinson wrote on May 7, 2018:

"So sorry for your loss. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Anna & Ralph"

Kathy Coppejans wrote on May 7, 2018:

"Sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."

Marilyn L. Aden wrote on May 7, 2018:

"My deepest sympathies to Derek's family. "

JulieRomie wrote on May 7, 2018:

"Amy and family. I only knew Derek thru your words. But they mad me feel like I knew him personally. What a wonderful young man he was. Kind, loving, intelligent, strong, loved him business at farming. I'm sure that God took him at this young age to do something special up in heaven. Thinking of you all. Julie & Lloyd "

Lorenda Spilker wrote on May 7, 2018:

"Our very deep sympathy to Derek's family. He was always very friendly to everyone. He'll be greatly missed. Sincerely Alvin & Lorenda Spilker"