Dallas Derby

Dallas Dewayne Derby, 77, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, at Colonial Manor of Amana in Amana, Iowa.

Dallas was born on December 15, 1948, in Sigourney, Iowa, to Everett Nelson and Betty Eldora (Northup) Derby. He grew up around Delta and later graduated from Sigourney High School in 1967.

He entered active duty in the United States Army on January 9, 1970, and served through 1972. He continued serving in the Army Reserve through 1975, then extended his reserve commitment through 1985. His military service included service in Vietnam in 1971.

After his time in active duty service, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to attend college and serve out his Army Reserve commitment.

On July 21, 1973, Dallas married Catherine Ann Pfeiffer in Eustis, Nebraska. Although they later went their separate ways, they remained connected through their daughter, Jennifer.

Dallas made a career working at Baker’s Grocery Store in Omaha, where he worked as a bagger and carryout, among other duties. He loved his job, especially the opportunity to interact with customers and children. Customers would come in and ask for him by name.

A lifelong John Deere enthusiast, Dallas collected toy tractors and enjoyed attending the Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He also loved historic steam trains and traveled aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. He enjoyed camping at Ponca State Park and along the Niobrara River in Nebraska with his best friends, Jon and Chip, taking road trips, and capturing memories through photography. He always had a video camera or a camera attached to him at all times to catch all the wonderful moments and memories. He was very proud of his homemade ice cream recipe, which earned him a blue ribbon at the county fair.

Dallas’s family was his pride and joy. He rarely missed a birthday, wedding, family reunion, or other family gathering, taking great pride in being present for as many events as possible.

In 2017, Dallas moved back home to Sigourney to help care for his father. He remained in Sigourney until his own health began to decline and he later moved to a care facility.

Dallas is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Adkins (Robbie Padgett) of Davey, Nebraska; grandsons, Cameron (Gabby) Adkins of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Brenden Adkins of Sherman, Texas; great-grandchildren, Olive, Cayde, Bexlee, and Brynnleigh; brother Fred Derby; sister-in-law Miva Derby; sister-in-law Doris Derby; sisters Kimberly Grimm (Terry), Valerie Lee (Bryan), and Melba Geib (Darrell), all of Iowa; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Nelson and Betty Eldora (Northup) Derby; brothers Darrel Derby and Stuart Derby; nephew Jeff Derby; and niece Ashley Derby.

Dallas will be remembered for his dedication to his work, service to his country, love of family, sense of humor, and the many passions and memories that made his life uniquely his own.

Funeral Service
A funeral service will be held at Holm Funeral Home in Sigourney on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Holm Funeral Home.
Interment will take place at Garrett Cemetery in Delta, Iowa.