Derrick J. Prince

Derrick James Prince, 54, died Saturday, December 16, 2023, leaving behind the earthly body that caused him a lot of pain during his 20-year battle with Huntington’s Disease.

He was born February 25, 1969 in Galion to the late James H. and Linda C. (Hessey) Prince. He had a fun-loving childhood and graduated from Col. Crawford High School in 1987. Derrick joined the US Army that summer and served three years with a Military Police unit. He returned to Crawford County and worked for RR Donnelley two years before joining The Timken Co. where he worked until 2006 when his health no longer permitted.

Dedicated, dependable, kind, quiet, and gentle are a few words most will remember Derrick by. He was a hard worker who was devoted to his family and daughters. Even as the symptoms of Huntington’s Disease took over, Derrick looked forward to blowing kisses and looking out for his girls’ best interests. His eyes lit up any time a visitor brought ice cream to share. Derrick was a big Star Wars fan and enjoyed playing games over the years from Atari to Mario to World of Warcraft. He also loved rock music and head banging to his favorite bands. His smile and optimism will be missed by all who knew him.

Derrick is survived by daughters, Emily and Elizabeth Prince; their mother, Kelly Prince; and his sister, Mandy (Matt) Prince-Smith.

While no public services are being held, friends are encouraged to make memorial donations payable to HelpCureHD, an initiative dedicated to ending Huntington’s Disease one family at a timeel. These gifts can be sent to Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820.

Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.