Walter Russell Derden

Walter Russell Derden, known affectionately to all as Russell, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, just weeks after celebrating his 91st birthday.
Russell was born on October 11, 1934, in Jester, Texas, to Riley Mahan Derden and Alice Mae (Turner) Derden. Growing up in Jester, Russell learned the values of hard work and dedication early, helping his mother and siblings survive by picking cotton as a child. This tireless commitment to family defined his life. On April 4, 1959, he married the love of his life, Shirley C. (Taylor) Derden, and together they built a beautiful life and legacy spanning over six decades.
Russell proudly served his country with honor and distinction for over two decades in the United States Air Force. He enlisted in January 1955 and retired from active service on January 31, 1975, at the rank of Technical Sergeant (TSgt). His dedication included a tour during the Vietnam War. During his 20-year career, Russell was recognized for his commitment, earning numerous commendations, including the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and at least two Air Force Commendation Medals.
Following his honorable military discharge, Russell immediately applied his skills to a second long and productive career. He began working for Stewart Motor Company, where he excelled as a mechanic and later as Chief Mechanic for several years. He then transitioned to the United States Postal Service (USPS), working out of the Ennis, Texas Regional Postal Center. For more than 20 years, Russell was the essential maintenance man for the center, responsible for the fleet of vehicles, HVAC systems, and fixing "anything that broke or came up too short," a testament to his resourcefulness. He retired from the USPS after more than two decades of continued civilian service.
Russell was a devoted member of Lighthouse of Praise Church in Corsicana, TX.
Outside of his work, he was renowned for his ability to fix literally anything-from cars to complex systems. He was a Master of Creative Repairs, often relying on baling wire, WD-40, and duct tape to get a broken item running again, always finding a solution where others saw only scrap.
He was also a man who loved the outdoors. As a youth and young man, he was known by the nickname "Shotgun" because of his exceptional marksmanship. He was an absolute expert hunter and angler who could reliably put food on the table, whether he was running trot lines to catch "a mess of catfish" or hunting game. He proudly passed his expertise and love for the outdoors on to his children, serving as an irreplaceable mentor; few could ever outshoot him.
Above all, Russell loved his family. His greatest joy was being a grandfather and great-grandfather, and his commitment to his large, loving family was his defining characteristic.
Russell is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley C. (Taylor) Derden, and his four children: Danny S. Derden, Walter Neal Derden, Judy L. Gilliland, and Amy D. Learned. He was a cherished grandfather to 12 grandchildren (Amanda, Daniel, Timothy, Joshua, Nicole, John, Jamie, Casey, Brittney, Courtney, Zachary, and Jacob) and a proud great-grandfather to 31 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his loving sister and brother: Vera (Billie) Morrison and Johnnie M. Derden.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Riley Mahan Derden and Alice Mae (Turner) Derden, and four siblings: Earnest Derden, Spruce Derden, Iris (Hootie) Owens, and Bonnie Follis.