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D. O. McComb and Sons - Covington Knolls

8325 Covington Rd.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

William Derbyshire Obituary

William E. "Bill" Derbyshire, 83, of Fort Wayne, Ind., loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather went home to Jesus on May 23, 2024, Born and raised in Edon, Ohio he graduated from Defiance College and obtained his Master's Degree from St. Francis College. He taught math and coached with Fort Wayne Community Schools at Weisser Park Jr. High, Kekionga Middle School, Elmhurst High School and Blackhawk Christian High School. Bill was a longtime director with the Wildcat Baseball League and served as President of the League. He was loved and will be sorely missed by Martha, his wife of 64 years; sons, Bill (Marilyn) Derbyshire and Bob Derbyshire; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and brother, John (Sharon) Derbyshire. Celebration of Life is 11 AM Tuesday, May 28 at Emmanuel Community Church, 12222 W US-24, Fort Wayne with calling two hours prior. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be directed to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; Emmanuel Christian School, 12222 W US-24, Fort Wayne, IN 46814; or Stillwater Foundation, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Derbyshire family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on May 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William Derbyshire

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Kurt Fowerbaugh

May 27, 2024

Coach Derbyshire was a tremendous influence and asset for all the boys and girls he worked with through Wildcat and all the young men he coached @ Elmhurst High. It can sometimes be an exaggeration to use a term like iconic but the community of players who had the opportunity to play for Coach were forever shaped by his intellect, his humor (however fleeting or dry), and his desire to get the best effort from his players. God bless his family during this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Kurt Fowerbaugh

Kathy Bennett

May 27, 2024

Bill was a wonderful man and a very good teacher and coach. I worked with him at Elmhurst High School in the 1980's and early 90's and have fond memories. My husband sought his advice and mentorship as a teacher. Bill's strong reputation and leadership within the Wildcat organization was well known.
Our deepest condolensces to his family.
Sincerely, John and Kathy (Adair) Bennett

Donette Marden

May 27, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. My husband admired Bill all his life.
Prayers to you, Martha and family

Gary Baltzell

May 27, 2024

Mr. Derbyshire was probably the nicest man I ever met. Sincere condolences.

C. Jeanne or Alan J. Saalfrank

May 26, 2024

Any young person that had contact with Bill was blessed. As a parent of an Elmhust son and Wildcat player he wil be missed!

Paul Kennell

May 26, 2024

My condolences Martha, I worked Wildcat for 15 years and Bill was the nicest and fair man. I have nothing but good memories- when thinking of Bill. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. He will be missed.

Dee & Tom Herman

May 25, 2024

Bill was a wonderful man. He left his special mark on many young ppl through the years. My deepest sympathy to Marty as you grieve the loss of your soul mate. May the sweet memories help you through these difficult times.
Tom & Dee Herman

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Memorial Events
for William Derbyshire

May

28

Calling hours

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Emmanuel Community Church

12222 W US-24, Fort Wayne, IN

May

28

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Emmanuel Community Church

12222 W US-24, Fort Wayne, IN

Funeral services provided by:

D. O. McComb and Sons - Covington Knolls

8325 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804

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