ROBERT L. DEREK

1930 - 2021

ROBERT L. DEREK, 90, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Born May 10, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of the late Leonadis Oursler and Mae Oursler. After Robert finished school, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He went on to become an Arthur Murray dance instructor and performer. Robert entered in to the automobile business in 1958 where he was very successful with multiple automobile franchise dealerships. He went on to retire from Derek Motorcar, which was established in 1979, as Fort Wayne's Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Fiat and Peugeot dealership, then in 1983, became Fort Wayne's first independent high line dealership. Robert was blessed to find the current love of his life, Yvonne Hawkins. Together they made a welcoming home where many holidays and laughs were shared. He was Past President of the Mercedes-Benz Club. He was a member of the American Legion Riders, winning the "Oldest Active Rider" at a Legion event. He is survived by his forever partner, Yvonne Hawkins; children, Bob (Janice) Derek and Brian (Emma) Derek; grandchildren, Jennifer (Henry), Christine (Sanserino), Brian II and Emily; as well as seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Derek; and daughter-in-law, Deborah Derek. A private memorial is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Please join the family virtually to celebrate the life of Robert at D.O McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Facebook Page. Memorials may be made to the Allen County S.P.C.A.