Larry F. Derricks

Larry F. Derricks, passed away on January 5, 2023, at his home in Jacksonville, Illinois. He was born on September 19, 1936, in Denmark, Wisconsin, the oldest of seven children. Larry graduated from Denmark High School in 1954. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and took the two year course in Agriculture Studies. He was hired by Armour Meat Packing as a livestock buyer and traveled extensively in the US. His work brought him to Illinois in the 1960’s. Here, he met and married his wife, Barb, in 1964. After his position with Armour Meat Packing ended, Larry became a claims adjuster with Country Companies. He began his true calling as a Salesman with Gordon Implement in Riggston in 1970 where he sold John Deere equipment throughout the Midwest. He retired after 50 years of selling John Deere equipment in 2020. After retirement, he kept busy helping out at J.O. Harris Sales. Larry’s life outside of sales was heavily involved in 4-H, FFA, and livestock judging. One of Larry’s proudest moments was winning the Reserve Champion Carcass Lamb at the Chicago International show at age 16. He kept up with the industry by helping run the Oxford show in Louisville, Kentucky for several years; serving on the Board of Directors for the Oxford Association; served as the wether superintendent at the Illinois State fair for several years; and had a 30-year run as Sheep superintendent for the Greene County Fair in Illinois. Larry enjoyed helping the kids. He advocated for ways to give everyone a chance to show. He wanted guidelines that didn’t make things difficult or deter a good herdsman. He felt that someone laid the groundwork so he could show and wanted his kids and grandkids to be able to show as well. Larry held up his end of an old phrase “someone has to do it” and he did it well. Larry is survived by his wife, Barb, and his two daughters, De De (Keith) Fricke of Chapin, Illinois, and Darcie (Rob) Reckers of Mahomet, Illinois, and his number one grandson, Mason Fricke. He is also survived by his brothers Brice Derricks, Darwin (Linda) Derricks, and Duane (Judy) Derricks, and sister, Linda (Tom) Paider, and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Derricks and Carol Derricks, all of Wisconsin, and several nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Anna Arendt Derricks and two brothers, Darrell Derricks and Gale Derricks. Larry loved spending every spare moment watching his grandson Mason play sports and being his right hand man with Fricke Show Goats. Mason was his pride and joy. Larry also loved auctioneering and consignment sales. Larry never met a stranger. Family will meet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Daws Family Funeral Homes, 508 W. Vandalia Rd., Jacksonville, Illinois. Services will be at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, private burial at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Prairieland Heritage Museum or Junior Livestock Department of the Morgan County Fair.

Larry F. Derricks

September 19, 1936 - January 5, 2023