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David Derk Obituary
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David was born in Goodrich on December 29, 1946, son of the late Benny and Constance Derk. He proudly served his country with the United States Army, serving in Korea and Vietnam. Dave married Susan Talley on December 8, 1983. He worked and eventually retired from General Motors where he worked as a committee man. Dave loved the outdoors, where he enjoyed time fishing, hunting and boating. He was a sports enthusiast, especially a Detroit Lions fan before they found success the last couple of years. His family will remember him as someone who was always tinkering and fixing things. They are most grateful that he was a wonderful family man.
David is survived by his loving wife of more than 41 years, Susan Derk; children, JoLynn Derk and John-David Derk; step-children, Rhonda (Larry) Mitchell, Robert (Melissa) Tufford; 1 granddaughter, Kassandra Liggins; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Carol Burkland; brother, Benny Derk, Jr.; granddaughter, Cassandra Stapleton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Blandin Karabinos
February 7, 2025
Susan and the Derk famiy, please accept the condolences of the 11th Armored Cavalry's veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia; if anything David was one of us, one of our own. We are sorry for your loss, but at the same time we salute an honorable veteran, a cherished man, a noreworthy trooper. As grateful Americans we pause in our sorrow to visualize a brave man who was willing to sacrifice and offer to lay down his life for his country and fellow man. As our Burial Liturgy states: "David's life has not ended, merely changed" ... and as we were together then, we will be together again, warmly embraced in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Chaplain Bill, 11th ACVVC - Vietnam 71/72
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