Derek Jacobus, a farm operator from Lewistown, Ill., and harness racing fan and racehorse owner, passed away on Sunday (May 6) at Graham Hospital in Canton, Ill., after a year and a half spent battling cancer. He was 43.
Born on May 3 in Peoria, Ill., Jacobus graduated from Lewistown High School, where he was an active member of Future Farmers of America; participated in football, basketball, and track, and worked on his family's farm. After high school he earned his Associates Degree in Agricultural Science from Spoon River College. He then followed his dream and returned to farming.
Jacobus served 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. He raced numerous horses, including the 2017 winner Speedy Rendezvous 3, 1:56.3f.
No secret to the people who loved him, Jacobus loved life. His uncanny way of seeing things clearly and knowing just what to do helped him succeed in every area of his life.
He is survived by his father David (Carolyn) Jacobus; brothers Aaron (Amy) Jacobus and Derek (Cassie) Juliusson; sisters Amy (Curtis) Rushing, Candace (Galen) Hanson and Carrie (Nick) Braden; nieces Blair Jacobus and Peyton Rushing; and nephews Sage and Wyatt Rushing.
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. Memorials may be made to the St. James Episcopal Church in Lewistown.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Derek Jacobus.
(Harnessracing.com)