Derrick Hood Sr.

Dear Hood Family,

As you saw from the attendance at Derrick's Celebration he touched the lives of many people. It didn't matter who you were Derrick made sure he knew you and when he saw you he made sure to say hello. With me personally I will miss the discussions we had concerning the Sooners, Thunder or any sport. He was a special person and although I only knew him for a short time, I will cherish that time and am looking forward to catching up with him in the future. I want to...

DERRICK HOOD'S FAMILY,
DERRICK WAS A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND THAT CANNOT EVER BE REPLACED.

I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST MET DERRICK... I HAD JUST STARTED THE NIGHT SHIFT AT SWA, AND I WAS IN THE BREAK ROOM SITTING ALL ALONE BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW ANYONE. I KNEW FACES, BUT DIDN'T REALLY KNOW ANYONE AND I WAS KINDOF SHY AND QUIET. THEN DERRICK AND ED CHANGED THAT. THEY BOTH CAME UP TO ME AND INTRODUCED THEMSELVES. THEY HELPED ME TO FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE AND BEFRIENDED ME. DERRICK WAS...

Many of us have talked about how dedicated Derrick was to his many causes, and that is certainly true. What I like to recall about Derrick is the funny side I would see during class when her volunteered for role play activities - he was quite the actor! I know Derrick would like for us to remeber the things about him that make us smile.

Derrick was a friend in the true sense of the word. He truly was a man who could not be bought. His beliefs were strong. He fought for what he believed in to the very end. He knew how to win with grace and lose with dignity. He was a leader amongst his peers. I have been very lucky to have called him "friend" and thankful that I had the chance to work with him at SWA. Our gentle giant will be missed.

I can't even begin to imagine what it felt like to call him "Dad" or "Husband."...

Dear Hood family,

My heart and prayers go out to you. As Derrick was always there for me if there is anything at all I can help with let me know. What I will miss most of all is Derrick great big smile and him sharing his wisdom with me. Even when half the time he had to tell me to be quiet and let him finish he never gave up on me. He will truly be missed and never forgotten. Luv Amber

Dear Hood Family,
Derrick is such a beloved person. He has touched so many of us, and we are the better for having him in our lives. There was never a stranger to Derrick, as he always had a hug and smile to share! My Dad always told me, "Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever." I will forever hold Derrick in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.

Dear Mrs. Hood and your precious children,
I left SWA almost a year ago; I will always remember Derrick! He always had a smile and 'how ya' doin' for every person with whom he came in contact. And he made a point of knowing everybody's name. Through his union work, Derrick saved my job after my husband had a debilitating stroke that kept me off work for a full month. That is not the only reason he will be missed. Derrick was a wonderful, kind and gentle giant! We will all miss him...

Dear Derrick my dear friend, i will truely miss you, words can not explain.