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.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Ballard Funeral Home
306 S. Main
Benton, AR  72015
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com