Obituary of Derrence Leon Smaage

Derrence "Derry" Leon Smaage, 89, of Palm Bay, Florida passed away October 27th, 2023.  He was born to Leon Smaage and Gwendolyn Smaage (Holmes) of Storm Lake, Iowa on March 15th, 1934.  Derry was preceded in death by his wife Donna Smaage (Cohoon), his firstborn son Timothy Leon Smaage, his parents Leon and Gwen, and his brother Denis Smaage.

He is survived by 4 children; Cheryl Gambill (Don), Kevin Smaage (Dianne), Linda Moffitt (Kyle) and Darin Smaage, 11 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.

Derry graduated from Maine Township High School, Des Plaines IL in 1952 where he wrestled and was on the Swim team.  Derry was a lifetime student, with degrees from the University of Illinois, Institute of Aviation (1955), Minnesota Bible College (1959), Lincoln Christian Seminary (1977), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1984).  While on Furlough from the Mission Field, Derry would serve as an assistant professor at Lincoln Christian Seminary.  He also held professorships at Ghana Christian College and Florida Christian College.

While Enrolled in Minnesota Bible College, Derry met his future wife Donna Cohoon of Chippewa Falls, WI.  They married in 1956 and the next 65 years were spent as a team in Christian Ministry.  Derry spent 12 years as a Missionary in Africa and 35 years as a Senior Minister, with ministries in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida.  After retiring, Derry continued to make Mission trips to Haiti.  Derry also spent 20 years pursuing his passion as a Pilot holding jobs as an Aircraft Mechanic, Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor.

Faith and Family were important to Derry.  He enjoyed fishing trips, spending time with family and tinkering in his garage.  Early in his ministries he would spend hours of his free time working on his Beechcraft Bonanza.   He was an avid reader with a sharp mind and quick wit who enjoyed learning new things.

A celebration of Derry’s life will be held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, 2:30 pm at City Church Space Coast, 344 Emerson Dr. NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907

In lieu of flowers please make donations to City Church Space Coast (Missions).