of Benton, AR
April 23, 1941 - June 8, 2017
With loving hearts, the family of Ivan Bruce DeYoung, announce his passing on June 8, 2017, at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Letitia DeYoung and his sister, Joyce.
After spending his early years on the family farm in Norton, Kansas, Ivan met Bernice while studying mathematics education at Anderson College in Anderson, IN. They were wed in June of 1962, and after a few years settled with their growing family in Benton, Arkansas. He obtained a Master's Degree from Kansas State University, and went on to teach for 33 years for Benton Public Schools until his retirement in 1997.
In addition to teaching math, he spent years in service to the church as a music leader and Sunday School teacher. He was a master whistler, and he could sing or whistle any song from his extensive collection of Gaither Homecoming videos. A man of many hobbies, he was always tinkering with or fixing something, and he ensured there were plenty of tools for everyone else under the Christmas tree each year. He loved and spent many hours in the woods or stream with a pole, bow or rifle in his hands. While he took great joy in the accomplishments of his kids and grandkids, no one can deny the pride he took in finally seeing his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series.
A devoted husband and father, he will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Bernice of Benton; his brother, Arnold (wife, Marylin); his sisters: Blanche Steinaker, Ardith Flowers, Dorcas McAllister (husband, Joseph); his brother-in-law, Dave Reid; his children, Andy (wife, Angela) of Rogers, Bruce (wife, Ingrid) of Siloam Springs, Bill (wife, Cheryl) of Benton, and Keena (husband, Stephen Antonelli) of Catonsville, MD; and eight grandchildren, David (wife, Cassie), Zack (wife, Rachel), Kevin (fiancee, Holly), Luke, Elizabeth, Maggie, Lilly and Layla; and other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home Chapel (501-315-4047) in Benton. Funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, June 12, at Roller-Ballard Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grape Chapel Church of God in Benton in his honor.
Sign Guestbook
33 Condolence(s)
Eric Evans
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
The world has lost a great man but God has taken him to teach the angels how to do math . He was the reason I did sales for so many years and I thank him for his work he did , prayers and thoughts go to all who knew him
Ila Parr
Friday, June 16, 2017
So sorry to hear of Ivan's passing. Marylin had told me that he was suffering from cancer but didn't realize it would be that soon. We were preparing for the visit of Mary Ellen Breight, Warren DeYoung's daughter who was the son of Dick DeYoung, Ivan's father's step brother. She had never met this side of the family and lived in San Diego. She came thru on her way to New Orleans to present a flag to the WW11 museum from her father who served in the Navy. Had a lovely visit. Altho I haven't met the children, I looked in the DeJong Genealogy book and saw that Ivan had a great family. Our prayers go with you.
Angie Crowson
Sunday, June 11, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of the family.
Patty Larsen
Sunday, June 11, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Mr DeYoung was one of my favorite teachers many years ago. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Doyle Wilson
Sunday, June 11, 2017
My condolences to Bernice, Andy, Bruce, Bill and Keena, and their families.God Bless Y'all and Your Families. Sincerely, Doyle Owen Wilson,Jr.
Mike and Suzi Ingram
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Mike and I are so very sorry for your loss. Know that our prayers are with you all.
Mike and Suzi Ingram
Riverside Community
Ray Willis
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Heartfelt condolences. Still remember ya'll from high school. You both were the best of the best.
Arnold & Marylin DeYoung
Saturday, June 10, 2017
We are keeping you in our prayers, Bernice and family. This has been hard for us too, as Ivan was a much loved brother of Arnold.
Donna (Moore) Van Horn
Saturday, June 10, 2017
My heart goes out to the family... please know that you will be in my prayers. I can't think of church camp, and not see Ivan's smile... sure had some good times there.
Love,
Donna
Pam warrick
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Mr DeYoung was the best math teacher. He helped me love math and was one of the reasons I became a math teacher. I am thankful to have known this smart and nice teacher.
Julie Munn
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Outstanding teacher, he will be truly missed!
Allen Lovell
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Mr. DeYoung was one of my favorite teachers and really good guy. Condolences to the family.
Ronnie and Linda Duncan
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Our prayers are with your family. Ivan was a very special man and we always enjoyed being at Grape Chapel as he was leading the singing. May the Lord be with you at this special time and give you much peace and love as only He can do.
Melanie Keene
Saturday, June 10, 2017
When I think of Ivan, I think not only of a man of integrity but a man of laughter and music. Some of my greatest memories are of us singing in the quartet and hearing him whistle as he came in the door of the church to practice. He is one of the finest men I have known. My prayers are with you all at this great loss. Bernice, may God keep you you tucked up tight "under His wings". I love you all!
Amy Lambright
Saturday, June 10, 2017
He will be missed. He was a great math teacher.
Steven and Tera Wilkinson
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Our prayers are with all of y'all
Richard Kelly Hester
Saturday, June 10, 2017
I am really sorry to hear about Mr. DeYoung's passing. I was just thinking about him about a week ago and was wondering how he was doing. I enjoyed having him for a teacher. He was always a very nice guy in class to me. In reading about him on here I wished i had seen this side of him as well. May you rest in peace sir, we will see you again one day soon. Kelly Hester
Susan Irby Gaske
Friday, June 9, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time.
Amanda Barnard
Friday, June 9, 2017
Mr. DeYoung was such a wonderful teacher. Be always welcomed his class with a smile. Even though as an adult I now look back and realize he probably wanted to smack a few around... I also remember him from church and I as an adult also realize this man must have prayed for those same students. I now realize it was his love for Jesus that kept that smile on his face.
I am so very sorry for the loss of this great man and I pray that the Holy Spirit would wrap His arms around each one of you while you let the strength and peace of God surround each one of you!!
Marlon & Susan Alarcon
Friday, June 9, 2017
Bill & Cheryl
We are sadden to hear of your fathers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rebecca (Royer) Long
Friday, June 9, 2017
Prayers to Mrs. DeYoung and the family. I was blessed to have Mr. DeYoung for Algebra back in the day at BJHS. His comic personality and sense of humor made Algebra so much fun. He was a brilliant man and will be remembered by many.
Tina Carter Earnest
Friday, June 9, 2017
So sorry for your loss.
My thoughts & prayers are w/ you all,
Bernice, Andy, Bruce, Bill, & Keena.
Peace & comfort at this time.
â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸ ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Brad Granderson
Friday, June 9, 2017
My condolences everyone in loss of a great man of God and someone that I admired immensely. I am grateful to have always felt welcome in your home and among you all. I am humbled by your life well-lived. My prayers are with you all.
Kari Perry Green
Friday, June 9, 2017
Richard Weaver
Friday, June 9, 2017
Sorry for the loss of Mr. DeYoung.
Larry & Doris Gaw
Friday, June 9, 2017
Please accept our sincerest sympathy in your loss. Larry has wonderful memores of time spent with Ivan in the youth group at South Meridian.
May our Lord give you peace & comfort during this difficult time.
You are covered with our prayers.
Larry & Doris Gaw
Robert Paxton
Friday, June 9, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss.
Robert Paxton and family
Ellen Corley Gunderson
Friday, June 9, 2017
Dear Ms. DeYoung, I was so sad to hear this news. Sending love and prayers to you and your family. Sincerely, Ellen
Wayne and Pat Putman
Friday, June 9, 2017
We love your family and are keeping you all in our prayers.
Randy and Kelly Yates
Friday, June 9, 2017
So sorry about your loss. May God give you comfort and wrap his arms around the family in the days to come.
Kaye Mazzia
Friday, June 9, 2017
You were a great teacher to me in Jr High and will be missed by many. My prayers are with the DeYoung family
Rita Heard
Friday, June 9, 2017
Leena and family, My prayers are with you. May you find comfort in knowing that you are loved and in my thoughts.
Sarah Pettit
Friday, June 9, 2017
My thoughts are with thee family and friends. We love you all.