The Rev. Malcolm L. Derk

1930 - 2021

SUNBURY - The Rev. Malcolm L. Derk, 90, of Sunbury, and formerly of Trevorton, left his earthly home to be with his heavenly Father Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Sept. 16, 1930, in Helfenstein, a son of the late Marvin W. and Beatrice I. (Kieffer) Derk.

He graduated from Shamokin High School in 1948.

On July 24, 1949, he married the former Mae L. Hummel, who preceded him in death Dec. 30, 1991. They were married for 42 years.

He was stationed in Germany and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1954.

In 1956, he was called to minister at the Holiness Christian Church, Trevorton. He was formally ordained in the Ministry of the Gospel June 13, 1957, in Seyfert. He continued in active ministry at the church until his death, celebrating 65 years of faithful service to the same congregation and the Trevorton community. He also served as pastor at churches in Sagon, Weatherly and Quakake.

He and his wife were members of the "Gospel Aires," a traveling quartet. He was a gifted musician who shared his vocal and instrumental talents on radio broadcasts, worship services and family celebrations. Until recently, he played the piano daily. He frequently played the organ and accordion during church services and was an avid collector of sheet music.

As a pastor of a small country church, necessity required additional vocations. He embraced other employment as an opportunity to serve his neighbors. His additional careers included time working as a substitute teacher in the Line Mountain School District, a postal worker in Trevorto, and office staff at the Sunbury Textile Mill. He loved working at Wood Mode, where he retired at the age of 79. He officiated many weddings, funerals, and dedications for coworkers and friends.

Malcolm is survived by two sons, Malcolm L. Derk II and his spouse, Evelyn M. Derk, and Timothy A. Derk and his partner, Michelle L. Farrer; eight grandchildren, Donald L. Coulter and his spouse, Lisa R., David P. Mershon, Jack E. Coulter and his spouse, Amitha C., Malcolm L. Derk III and his spouse, Erin L. Goedegebuure, Mark D. Coulter, John M. Coulter and his spouse, Michelle A., Stephanie N. Herb and her spouse, Nicholas A., and Matthew M. Derk; and 14 great-grandchildren, for whom he always kept his candy dish full.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a sister, Wilma Smink; a brother, Clyde M. Derk; and a granddaughter, Gwendolyn Derk.

DERK - The Rev. Malcolm L. Derk, 90, of Sunbury, and formerly of Trevorton. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Holiness Christian Church, 10th and Pleasant View streets, Trevorton, with a memorial service following at 11 a.m. A private graveside service at Citizens' Cemetery, in Lavelle, will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the Rev. Derk asked those who desire to do something in his memory to donate to a mission or person in need. Funeral arrangements by Robert G. Foust Jr. Funeral Home, 841 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton.