Derrel was born on October 25, 1935 in Geneva, Nebraska to Norbert and Mable Pendergast. Derrel joined the U.S. Navy April of 1955 as Plane Captain E3 and rose through the ranks. He was promoted to Maintenance Chief Petty Officer E7. Derrel then went on to retire in Corpus Christi, Texas September 22, 1975 as Chief Petty Officer E7. He then worked at NAS CC where he retired for the second time. In his spare time, Derrel loved golf, bowled for a few years and also enjoyed a little hunting and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Neva G. Pendergast; his parents, 2 brothers, 1 nephew and 1 grandchild.
Derrel is survived by his daughters, Debra Kay, Barbara Pendergast Perry, Cynthia Davis and son, Derrel E. Pendergast Jr.; brother, Robert Pendergast; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. All are invited for food and drinks to the Fleet Reserve located at 1651 Flour Bluff Drive.
To offer condolences, please visit www.funerariadelangelmholly.com