John L. Derrow

Wellston businessman, John L. Derrow, age 78, passed away peacefully, July 11, 2015, at the Edgewood Manor in Wellston, Ohio following a short illness. He was born January 4, 1937 in Moundsville, West Virginia to the late John J. Derrow and Beulah P. Mason Derrow. John was a 1954 graduate of Moundsville High School. He was a 1959 graduate of Marshall University, where he lettered in baseball and basketball for the Thundering Herd. Following graduation, John became a teacher and coach at Wellston High School. He taught at Wellston High School from 1959-1971, where he also served as athletic director, baseball coach and basketball coach. In 1969, he started Derrow Insurance Agency and served as President until the time of his death. John was an avid golfer and was a past president of the Fairgreens Country Club, where he was a member for 54 years; two time senior champion of the Southeastern Ohio Golf Association; past president and member of the Wellston Rotary Club, where he also enjoyed participating in the annual Rotary Minstrel Show; member of the Marshall University's "M" Club, the Jackson Elks Lodge #466, the Wellston Downtown Coaches Association and the Hope United Methodist Church in Wellston. Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Martha Oury Derrow; children, John Derrow of Wellston, Chris Derrow (Linda) of Westerville and Megan Sowers, (Ron) of Wellston; daughter-in-law, Sheri Derrow of Wellston; grandchildren, Mandi Mullikin (Matt) of Mason, Oh., Michael Derrow and Brandon Derrow, both of Westerville, Brant Derrow (Kiley), Andy Derrow, Nick Derrow, Kelli Aubrey and Kimmi Aubrey, all of Wellston; great-grandson, Bradon Derrow; step-granddaughters, Megan Wilbur and Hannah Sowers; sister, Susan Mullen (Rick) of Glen Dale, West Virginia, as well as several nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. He also leaves behind his special cat, Kiki. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his children, Kelli Derrow in 1973 and Jim Derrow in 2011, along with his siblings, Beulah Jean Lilley, Mary Jo Griffin and Richard "Dick" Derrow. In keeping with John's wishes, his body was cremated. Visitation with the family will be Thursday from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Memorial service will be Friday at 2 P.M. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Leland Brehm officiating. Burial will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life ceremony and gathering will be held immediately following the services at the Fairgreens Country Club, where his ashes will be spread on the first tee. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial contributions in John's name be given to the Coach Jim Derrow Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Wellston City Schools, 1 East Broadway, Wellston, Ohio 45692.