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Michael Derr Obituary
January 20, 2010
Michael David "Davey" Derr, 65, of 129 Turnpike Road, Ashland, passed away Wednesday morning at his residence with his family by his side.
Born in Butler Township, Nov. 2, 1944, he was a son of the late Michael and Florence Bredbenner Derr.
He was a graduate of the former Butler Township High School, Fountain Springs, class of 1962, and for the past 39 years, Davey drove school bus D44 for the North Schuylkill School District until his retirement.
He was an active member of the Friendly Holiness Church, Helfenstein, and also Citizen Fire Company, Gordon, and American Hose Company, Fountain Springs.
Preceding him in death were sisters, Irene Harner and Bernice Hornberger; and a great-great nephew, Brady Edward Fetterolf.
Surviving are a sister, Emma A. Fetterolf, Ashland; a brother, Phillip Derr, Virginia; many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him "Unckie."
Celebration of life funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Friendly Holiness Church, Upper Road, Helfenstein. Friends and relatives are invited to the viewing at the church Sunday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. and Monday morning from 9 a.m. until service. Interment will be in Christ Church Cemetery, Fountain Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in honor of Davey's life be made to Friendly Holiness Church, Ernest Gessner, treasurer, 190 Treva Road, Paxinos, PA 17860. Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Derr
Elizabeth (Marhon) Hand
January 27, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
thomas price,jr.
January 26, 2010
My sincere condolence's to the DERR family. I was a friend of Phillip and left Pa. in 1956. May he rest in peace.
January 25, 2010
Emma, Michelle, Lena & families, I was so saddened to hear of Dave's passing. He will be greatly missed. I have fond memories of Dave. I spent quite a bit of time at his niece [phyllis's ] house in my teen yrs. & Dave was usually there laughing & joking around with us. He always had a smile for you. Last year some time he stopped to pick me up after I broke down & was walking home from work. He was that kind of guy--He would help anybody anyway he could. He was the best bus driver I ever had [D44] My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time....God Bless...... Heidi [Gable] Walsh
Candi (Bucher) Rupinski
January 25, 2010
Our merciful God gave Davey the peace he so deserately deserved and he will heal the pain caused by his passing. He was such a great friend of my father's, Boots, and our entire family always looked forward to his visits. Davey was always a busy man and will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Nora Foose
January 24, 2010
Dear Emma, Michelle. lena, and famlies
I'm sorry to here about Davey. He was the only person that gave me a nickname that will stick with me forever. Our prayers are with you!
Love Nora, Ira, Ashlie and Abigail Foose. Mahanoy City PA
pam balsavage
January 23, 2010
sadly missed a wonderful smile always stopped to talk, and a big wave. will remember him always part of growing up. and many walks by his home. he was always busy doing something and loved his family.
Rosanne ( Hornberger ) Thomas
January 22, 2010
Unckie, The memories come rushing back...Sunday Dinners at the old house in Hegins RD when I was a little kid (Sparky), You could always count on Unckie being there!...Walking out to his house just for a visit when I lived in Gordon, He always had candy for whoever came...Riding his school bus and feeling really special cause my uncle was the bus driver( but that didn't stop him from yelling at us too) =] ...and many, many more....But most of all knowing that even when he said we kids were "onery", we know it was his way of letting us know that he really loved us. I will never forget Unckie and his contagious laugh and joyful spirit, His Niece
SANDY KAUFMAN
January 22, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Dave. He was a great guy. I remember many nights when I lived in Gordon he would come down to watch movies with us.Your whole family always took to my Michelle. At one time you were all like her second family. She even called him Unc. How fast 30 years go by. God bless you all, Emma, Michelle, Lena and all the grandkids. Davey was a wonderful man.
Erin
January 22, 2010
So sorry to hear about Dave's passing. He was one of my favorite bus drivers. Rest in peace Dave. D-44 will be missed!!!
Bud HAll
January 22, 2010
I worked with davey for years as a school busdriver. I was shocked and sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good friend and a person who would bend over backwards to help you. Rest in peace Davey and may god bless you-Bud Hall
Daniel Bredbenner Jr.
January 21, 2010
Aunt EM,Chelle,Lena; Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Many fond childhood memories I have of Spending the day at Uncle Dave's Farm. We share your sorrow. Danny & Family and Dan Sr.
Barbara Liem
January 21, 2010
Always a wave and that big smile! Could set my watch, seeing Dave coming.
The Lord has given him peace and for that we are thankful. A memory will always be all his Sunday school perfect attendance pins!!!
Deepest Sympathy,
Barb Liem
Richard Wetzel
January 21, 2010
I will miss seeing D-44
Patti & Mel Johnson
January 21, 2010
So sorry to hear of Davey's passing. We will miss him too. Chris always enjoyed when he was here, they would tease each other back and forth.
I will pray for comfort & strength for you.
Courtney Balsavage
January 21, 2010
When I heard of Davey's passing, I was deeply saddened. From the time I started elementary school, Davey was always at the front of my house waiting for me in the morning on D44 with a huge smile and a heart of gold. As the years passed we looked forward to seeing him on our daily dog walks and receiving a huge wave and a hello from him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by many.
BONNIE PALUBINSKY
January 21, 2010
sO SORRY TO HERE ABOUT COUSIN DAVID i LOVED HIM VERY MUCH. i SEEN HIM AT SCHOOL ALOT. i HAVE SO MANY MEMORIES OF HIM. iT IS SO HARD KNOWING HE WAS SO SICK. oUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.COUSIN EMMA CALL ME.BONNIE,TOM, KIM,HOPE PALUBINSY
Earl Lubold Jr
January 21, 2010
When I heard of uncle David's passing I felt saddened and I am giving you my condolences. he was a good man and will be sadly missed.
Janny Hale
January 21, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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