Derek Michael Halbin

Derek Michael Halbin, 37, of Bluford, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was born May 10, 1988 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to Rick and Brenda (Loss) Halbin.
In addition to his parents, Derek is survived by his sister, Tiffany McNair and husband, Tavis and their children, Ian, Nate, Livy, and Clara; brother, Jordan Halbin and wife, Reaney and their children, Vivi and Oris; and grandmother, Donna Halbin.
Derek was preceded in death by his grandfather, Richard "Skeeter" Halbin, who Derek deeply loved; his grandmother, Myra Jane Loss; uncles, Jeff Halbin and Tony Segretario; and cousins, Ashley Halbin, Marissa Halbin, and Jeffrey Antisdale.
Derek was so loved by his family and friends. He had an amazing sense of humor directing his quick wit from unexpected angles. He always wanted to be a stand up comedian and we have no doubt he would have nailed it.
Analyzing movies was something Derek truly enjoyed, probably more than watching them. He should have been a writer as he was extremely good at describing narratives and where structures and plots could have been better or where they dropped the ball. He was annoyed by Hollywood not being able to come up with anything new or unexpected.
Gaming was Derek's favorite pastime. He was so great at it his friends would even pay him to help them level-up. It blessed our hearts to hear him laughing while chatting with them.
Collecting old and unusual items was something Derek was drawn to and loved. He also had countless ideas for inventions he hoped to create.
Derek was a self-taught woodworker, learning equipment maintenance on his Grandpa Halbin's tools and machinery and restoring them to working condition. His very first project was a beautiful wooden box with secret hidden compartments. He created barn wood frames, shelves, large free standing window boxes for flowers and a couple dog beds for his pets. Derek's grandpa created pieces with intricate detail. If Derek had discovered his love for woodworking before his grandpa passed they could have shared a special bond working and learning together side by side.
We will deeply miss our son. He was such a blessing to our family. He trusted in God and was very matter of fact about every treatment and trial that was placed before him. He was truly a warrior and our hero. When asked if he had prayed about his diagnosis he said, "Yeah. God said, 'I got you dawg'." He also told us "If I didn't believe in God don't you think I would be more freaked out than I am?" We are so grateful for the promise of our heavenly hope through our faith in Christ and know that Derek is totally healed now. Until we see you again bud... We love you!
"For the pain you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming" Romans 8:18
A Visitation will be held Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 pm with Tavis McNair officiating. Interment will follow at Harmony Cemetery in Mount Vernon. Memorials may be made in Derek's honor to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.