from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Derek Clarke Jacobus, 43, of Lewistown, Ill., died 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, he left to be with the Lord.

Mr. Jacobus was born on May 3, 1975, in Peoria. He is survived by his father, David (Carolyn); brothers, Aaron (Amy) and Derek (Cassie) Juliusson; sisters, Amy (Curtis) Rushing, Candace (Galen) Hanson and Carrie (Nick) Braden; nieces, Blair and Peyton Rushing; and nephews, Sage Rushing and Wyatt Rushing.

While attending Lewistown High School, he was an active FFA member, participated in football, basketball, and track, and worked on his family farm. He graduated in 1993. After high school, he received his Associates Degree in Ag Science from Spoon River College in 1995. He then followed his dream and returned to farming.

Mr. Jacobus 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, he 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, he 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.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday (May 9) at 2 p.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. James Episcopal Church in Lewistown.

To leave online condolences or to view his video tribute, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.