Derek Curtis Brumbaugh

1998 - 2016

Derek Curtis Brumbaugh, 17, of Pittsburg, died at 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, in an automobile accident north of Arma on U.S. Highway 69.

He was born on June 17, 1998, in Pittsburg, to Curtis and Tami Albertini Brumbaugh.

Derek was a senior at Pittsburg High School where he excelled in academics, performing arts, and athletics, and was a mentor to younger students.

As a member of the PHS Journalism Department under the direction of advisor Emily Smith, he was awarded third place in the National Scholastic Press Association's Photo of the Year contest in 2015. His photo was of PHS graduation last year.

As a member of the PHS Theatre Department under the direction of Greg Shaw, he performed in eight shows: As Greylag in "Honk," Carl the Dad in "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," Lucas in "Loserville," Steve in "Almost Maine," Nicely Nicely Johnson in "Guys & Dolls," Howie Newsome in "Our Town," Pinocchio in "Shrek, The Musical," and Elliott in "Band Geeks," which was chosen as one of five high schools to perform in January at the State Thespian Conference in Wichita to a crowd of 2,000. Derek also was active in the Drama Club for four years.

As a member of the PHS Vocal Music Department under the direction of Susan Laushman, he sang in both Encore and Multigenerational Choir for four years, as well as Pittsburg Presbyterian Church Choir, and performed in concerts for the community including the annual Holiday Vespers. The day before his death, he and his closest friends performed at State Choir in Wichita; it was his third year to be selected for the honor.

Derek was a member of the Dragon Baseball Team for three years under Coach Keith Matlock, and was due to start his senior season on Feb. 29. A highlight was pitching a full seven-inning game with eight strikeouts and only two hits. He was a big fan of KU athletics and the Royals baseball team.

He also was a member of the PHS French Club and the Gifted Program for four years.

Community service was a big part of his life, including volunteering at the Southeast Kansas Humane Society, ringing the bell for Salvation Army, mentoring young photographers, assisting at the Just Off Broadway summer theater camp, and serving and cooking at the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. He delivered beds to needy residents with his baseball team and conducted a canned food drive with PHS Theatre students.

He worked part time as a barista at Root Coffeehouse, owned by his sister and brother-in-law, Lindsey and Trent Kling, and also worked for the Kling Family Orchard at the Pittsburg Farmers Market. His family were members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Derek planned to attend Pittsburg State University in August to major in photojournalism and to continue performing in musical theater.

In addition to his parents of Pittsburg, he is survived by his sisters, Taylor Brumbaugh and Lindsey Kling and her husband Trent, all of Pittsburg, his paternal grandmother, Jerry Brumbaugh of Pittsburg, his girlfriend of two years, Aspen Lloyd, who was in the accident with him, and his teachers, cast, choir, and team members. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Bill Brumbaugh and maternal grandparents Henry and Wilma Albertini of Arma, and by a cousin, Sara Welch.

A private family graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Garden of Memories, with the Rev. Michael Baldwin officiating.

A celebration of life for friends, fellow students and the community will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Memorial Auditorium & Convention Center, 503 N. Pine, where Derek had performed on stage two weeks ago. The family would like the celebration to be uplifting and informal, and encourages those who attend to wear their show shirts from past productions, or KU or Royals shirts. The Multigenerational Choir will perform.

The family suggests memorials to the Derek Curtis Brumbaugh Scholarship Fund or the SEK Humane Society. Donations may be sent to or left at Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, KS 66712.