Derrick Lee Cummings

Derrick Lee Cummings was born August 15, 1958, in Denver, Colorado, to Christine Wilson (nee McClinton). He is the second of her four children. Derrick was a good big brother to his younger brother and sister, whom he shared a bedroom with until he was nine. They loved playing board games and pranking each other, with Derrick often being the target. He admired his older sister for her school accomplishments and for taking care of her siblings while their mother worked. Derrick enjoyed playing little league football, exploring the city on his bike with his friends and spending time with his cousins.

Derrick was the first in his family to be saved, accepting Jesus as his personal savior as a young boy when he attended a church breakfast with his uncle. He came to Living Waters Tabernacle with his family in 1971, at the age of 12 and remained a faithful attendee for next 55 years. Shortly after coming to the church, Derrick was filled with the Holy Spirit and had a strong desire to learn about the Lord and could frequently be found reading his bible. At 13, he started working for the church, mowing the lawn and doing other landscaping, as well as spending time with his pastor, Brother Hill. Derrick loved spending time with his pastor and learning from him, building a strong bond.

Derrick spent most of his childhood in northeast Denver, but when he was 16, the family moved and he began attending Lincoln High School. He was a very good athlete, playing basketball and lettering in both football and track. He also placed well in several track events at the State Competitions in his junior and senior years. While at Lincoln, Derrick also took classes in plumbing at the Career Education Center and began what would become his lifelong career. He graduated from Lincoln 1977, but while there he met his future sister-in-law, which led to finding the love of his life, Tracy.

After graduation, Derrick was accepted into Plumbers Local 3 apprenticeship program. During his apprenticeship, he trained while working on various projects for different contractors. He worked on multiple assignments the next 10 years. He left Plumbers Local 3 and began working at Denver Public Schools (DPS) in 1988. Derrick was promoted numerous times, ultimately becoming manager of the Plumbing Department at DPS, supporting all of the district's schools. Due to health issues, Derrick retired from DPS in 2016.

In July of 1979, Derrick married Tracy Gamble after dating several years. The two began building a life together and purchased their first home. In 1981, their first child Brian was born, followed shortly after by Brandon, and later daughter Brianna. Derrick enjoyed watching his children play sports and participate in other activities, but always made sure they attended church and encouraged them to put Jesus first in their lives.

Derrick faced several health challenges including dialysis and a kidney transplant, but through it all his faith and love for the Lord was evident. Derrick spoke of Jesus' love to everyone he knew and everyone he met. The Lord raised Derrick up after his first cardiac arrest, fully restoring most of his functionality. On August 22, 2025 Derrick suffered another cardiac arrest, but this time the Lord wanted him to come home.

Derrick loved his family dearly and is survived by his wife of 46 years, Tracy Cummings; his children Brian Cummings (Natalie), Brandon Cummings and Brianna Cummings; his sister Robin Hall; granddaughters Hayden Cummings and Paige Cummings; and step-sisters Darcy Wilson and Dana Oliver (Ricky). He is preceded in death by his mother Chris Wilson, sister Diane Bailey, brother Billy Cummings and stepfather Vern Wilson (Orian).

I have fought a good fight, I finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge , shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

II Timothy 4:7 – 8

A Celebration of Derrick's life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 11:00AM at Living Waters Tabernacle, 1701 South Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado.

The service can also be viewed via the link below:

www.Livingwaterstabernacle.com

Please share your memories of Derrick and condolences with his family by signing the guest book below.