Der-San Chen

Der-San was born on April 20, 1940, to Sui-Tong and Wan Yang Chen in Taipei, Taiwan. His paternal grandmother and mother were very devout Christians, who attended and served at the Dadaocheng Presbyterian Church in Taipei. Because their father was largely absent, Der-San and his siblings were very close to each other and found solace in a Heavenly Father who was always present and faithful. His experiences at church, participating in choir and youth group, and teaching children’s Sunday School, laid a foundation for his future.

Der-San met Hui-Chuan (a.k.a. Hannah) Juan at Cheng Kung University in Tainan, as they were classmates in the Industrial Management undergraduate program. During his senior year, he heard that she had become a Christian and invited her to a fellowship retreat for their first date. They have been inseparable ever since. Wanting to obtain graduate degrees in the US, they prayed over the application process, looking for a school that would accept them both on full scholarships. The University of Alabama was the answer to that prayer, and they moved to Tuscaloosa together where they were married in 1966.

As he was completing his master’s degree, Der-San received an offer for a fully funded doctorate position at the State University of New York in Buffalo. Receiving this as an obvious gift from God, the newlyweds moved to Buffalo. During their 4 years there, they worked in campus ministry, welcomed their first child Suzy, and obtained their green cards. As Der-San was finishing up his doctoral thesis, his advisor from the University of Alabama called with a job offer. This was another gift from God, but one that also became his calling.

Der-San and Hannah returned to Tuscaloosa to become professors at the University of Alabama. Although they enjoyed their long careers there, their real passion was the Tuscaloosa Chinese Christian Fellowship (TCCF) which they helped establish in 1972 and served for over 50 years. Ben was born in 1973, and their family’s life was greatly intertwined with TCCF from then on. Der-San taught himself piano so that he could play praise songs and hymns. They opened their home to out-of-town guest speakers. They led Bible studies and prayer meetings, in addition to teaching others how to do the same. The history of God’s work and faithfulness through TCCF was documented by Der-San in the book, Make Us a Blessing, which he had published in Mandarin. Der-San poured out his time, talent, and treasure to bring others to Christ and to disciple believers, whether they were students or family members.

Der-San passed on March 23, 2025, short of his 85th birthday in April and of his 59th anniversary in August. Predeceased by his parents and his brothers (Der-Shi and Der-Rong), Der-San is survived by his loving wife Hannah; sisters Chiau-Liau Bee and Shing-Ling Chen; children Suzy and Ben (Hilary); and granddaughters, Audrey and Olivia. He was truly a great blessing to all his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church located in the Main Sanctuary. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Calvary Baptist Church located in the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Tuscaloosa Chinese Christian Fellowship, 2214 Brandonwood Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406.