Submit a PhotoDerrel Jere Webb, 67, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, January 9, 2023 in San Tan Valley, Arizona.
Jere, as he preferred to go by, was born to Ray and Inza Webb in Springerville, Arizona on March 27, 1955 and was the 9th of 10 children. Jere was a precocious child with an insatiable love of learning. He learned to read at a very young age and could often be found perusing an encyclopedia as a child. His love of learning served him well throughout his life and led him to develop many talents. Chief among these talents were his extraordinary artistic abilities. Creating what he saw in his mind’s eye was truly a gift. His artistic talents included drawing, carving, and creating art with his hands. Completing beautiful works of art was a passion of his that brought immense joy to himself and others.
Jere attended elementary school in both Lakeside and Mesa, Arizona. He was an Eagle Scout, loved sports, and was a talented athlete. After graduating from Blue Ridge High School in 1973, he attended college and then served a mission from 1976 to 1978 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Panama. He admired and was inspired by the beauty of South America as well as the language. He became fluent in Spanish, and many years later still spoke the language frequently.
After his mission, he attended Brigham Young University. Upon returning home to Arizona, he met Lauren Elston while skiing at Sunrise Ski Resort. They were married in 1980 and had great adoration and respect for one another throughout the entirety of their relationship. Lauren passed away in 1989, and although their time together was short, Lauren remained the love of his life ever after.
Jere was always the center of attention at family gatherings. He loved telling stories and jokes, and making people laugh. He could find humor in every situation and loved sharing it with others. He spent the majority of his professional life working in the construction industry for over 40 years. Using his artistic abilities and people skills, Jere built many magnificent and aesthetically pleasing custom homes around the Valley. He found great fulfillment and pride in his work.
Jere exemplified a profound love of life, creativity, craftsmanship, and family. He is survived by his children, Daniel (Angela), Elissa, and Christopher; as well as his five grandchildren, Justin, Olivia, Avery, Everlee, and Jameson. He is also survived by three sisters and two brothers as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Lauren, and their son Justin. His radiance forever left a mark on all those who had the pleasure of meeting him and he will be deeply missed.
His funeral services will be held in Mesa, Arizona at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 21st. 2549 N. 32nd St. Mesa, AZ 85213. He will be interred in Lakeside, AZ following the services.
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Our pleasure was knowing and spending time with Jere. We became a extended family spending many holidays together. To know Jere is to have loved him. ❤️❤️
I only knew him thru Facebook but he had a great talent in many ways and stole a spot in my heart with his understanding and his passions – resting with his life’s love reunited on the other side
Jere was one of the best cousins I could have asked for. I will really miss his larger than life personality. Such a kind and bright soul. Love you Jere!
I was a few years behind Jere in school, the same grade as his younger brother Terry. In a small town like Pinetop=Lakeside, everybody knew everybody and Jere was one of those upperclassmen athletes that we always aspired to be like. He was a prankster but was always nice and set a good example. Rest in peace Jere.
So sorry for your loss
Jere , one of the kindest , most interesting, talented , and family loving man I have ever met . Our love for horses was the connection, him a sculptor and me a painter . He was so very talented in his design and creations . He also told the best stories . Sometimes with a Spanish accent or an American Indian . He knew so much about Arizona , Utah and the Superstition Mountains ! Daytripping to Sedona and rock and crystal shopping. I will never forget what a wonderful human and earth angel, artist, designer, friend and admiration for his great love and devotion to his family . Rip my friend . Deepest sympathies, and God Bless to all that were lucky enough to know him . God speed mi amigo ! Love G
I just saw yesterday on Jere’s Facebook page that he has passed on in January. My deepest condolences to you, his family.
I knew Jere before he left for his mission when I lived in Whiteriver. One day in 1976, I received a letter from him when he was in Costa Rica; we began writing as friends. In one of his early letters he suggested to read the Book of Mormon. During that time, I had been searching for a closer relationship with Heavenly Father & our Savior, Jesus Christ. He didn’t know; no one knew. I had a friend that was a member so I asked him for a book & he gave me one of the gold paperback books the missionaries gave for investigators to read. Sometime after that, I started taking the lessons @ Dave & Calleen Reinholt’s home in Lakeside. . Four months later, January, 1977, I was baptized there @ the Lakeside Chapel, then began attending the Fort Apache Branch, until marrying & moving here in Phoenix.
I have been very grateful for Jere all these years, as he was the Lord’s faithful servant who was the one to help me find my way, which began in a letter with the words, “You should read the Book of Mormon”.
I’m so grateful for the Gospel, & happy for him knowing that he is now with his eternal companion & loved ones.