Search by Name

Search by Name

Derek Short-Wilson Obituary

Derek Andrew Short-Wilson, 23, of Palm Springs, Calif. passed away November 29, 2009. He was born October 23, 1986 to Julie Short and William B. Wilson Jr. Derek was a Tribal member of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Derek is survived by his parents and his high school sweetheart of 6 years, Alexia Lyons. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Belinda Sue Short; paternal grandparents, William B. Wilson Sr., Mary Margaret & Michel Volpone; his sister, Jade Short; stepmother, Zena Wilson and sisters, Kaiona C. Wilson, Liviana S. Wilson and Raina H. Wilson; Great Uncle and Aunt, Leroy and Shauna Segundo; Great Aunt, Alana Segundo; Great Aunt and Uncle, Debbie and Randy Williams; Aunt and Uncle Kelly & Karl Slagley; Aunt and Uncle, Bonnie and Damien Beebe; Uncles, Clyde Short Jr. and Francis “Monte” Short; Aunt, Dawn E. Wilson; Cousins, Bryan, Hunter and Chase Slagley; Raven Davidsen, Miles and Marcus Beebe; Rain Short; Sheila Duckey; Tatiana Segundo, Raime Alvino, Tianay Markillie; Tashina, Ryan & Tavin Williams. Derek had thousands of friends including longtime mentors, Andrew Bentziene, Vincent Gonzales Jr. and Vincent Gonzales III. He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Frank and Dorothy Segundo; Leno and Rita Rodriguez; Larry and Mary Sitter; William W. and Alma Wilson and Grandfather Julius Rodriguez. Procession, Monday, December 7, 2009 at 4:00 pm from Wiefels Funeral home to the Agua Caliente Tribal Building for an all night wake. A Traditional cremation will begin at dawn at the Torres Martinez Reservation the following morning. Graveside services Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 9:00 am at Jane Augustine Patencio Cemetery in Palm Springs. Brunch will be served following the services at the Agua Caliente Tribal Building. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Derek’s name to the following: Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Desert AIDS Project and Villalobos Pet Sanctuary.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun from Dec. 7 to Dec. 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Derek Short-Wilson

Not sure what to say?





jade short

May 14, 2011

Derek was the most loving brother in the world. He was the father I never had, and protected me my whole life. Derek was a good person and had a good heart. He always lived for today and was a fearless leader. Derek touched so many peoples lives and I was lucky to have him in mine. I miss him every day and his spirit lives on forever!

Valerie Mahabir

July 29, 2010

Derek, you certainly made Alexia very happy....and we all miss you. Rest in peace. With love and respect, Miss Valerie

Shannon Whiteman

May 26, 2010

My heart breaks for your family. I haven't seen you since you were a little boy. You look so much like your momma and your aunties. *tears* I love your family very much.

Cesar Mata

May 22, 2010

Derek was always the guy u could count on no matter the time of day, he was always a phone call away, and i could say the nicest and most caring friend i will ever have, no one will fill the void he has left behind, he was more than just a guy i knew i thought of him as my best friend, i am truly glad that the last time i saw him i told him that i consider him my best friend and no one will ever be like him. Derek is the guy u only met once in ur life that just being around him made the hope in you rise, I could honestly say if it wasn't for Derek i would of taken my life. Because of him i am alive today and have a new scope on life because of his words that turned my life around. i may not be proud of my past but i will hold my head up high and say i am proud to have been his friend and I will never forget Derek.

Colleen Bernie

May 13, 2010

I keep a candle burning in your memory, Derek. I will never forget the light you brought into our lives! Love You Forever!

Joey English

February 16, 2010

My "Mother's Heart" is so saddened by your passing. My own son, Tyler will go "higher, faster and stronger" in your honor.

Rex misses his Daddy

February 16, 2010

Derek, Alexia and Rex

February 16, 2010

Alexia misses YOU!

February 16, 2010

Derek and Alexia

February 16, 2010

Colleen Bernie

February 16, 2010

I hope Everybody enjoys the pictures I've posted. Valentine's Day was very hard for Alexia. On February 18, it would have been Alexia and Derek's 6 year Anniversary. Derek You will ALWAYS be remembered, adored,and LOVED. We miss you every minute of every day!

February 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Julie, Derek and Vince 2009

February 13, 2010

Derek and MOM 2009

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia, N.Y. Trip

February 13, 2010

Derek

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia New York Trip

February 13, 2010

Derek's Rainbow 11-28-09, 7 AM

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia 10-13-09

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia 9-19-09

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia Ski Trip 2009

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia, Graduation 2006

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia Christmas 2006

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia, Prom 2006

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia 2006

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia Valentine's Day 2004

February 13, 2010

Derek and Alexia 09

February 13, 2010

Derek

February 11, 2010

Raven Davidsen

February 3, 2010

Derek i love you so much and i will always miss you. I will never forget you and i'll always look up to you. You taught me so many things and i'll never forget i love you. See you soon cousin.

Gina Giambuzzi

January 18, 2010

Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine how painful this is. Derek and Anthony were childhood friends and he was sadden by the news as we all are. I pray that you find the strength and comfort that comes from God and those that love you.

Derek and Alexia Forever!

Colleen Bernie

December 29, 2009

Alexia, You are the KISS that Derek left behind. Love, Mom

Colleen Bernie

December 28, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Alexia Lyons

December 19, 2009

To my Baby Love, To have you taken away from
Me so quickly kills me aswell... I am dead inside, gone with you. But to have shared the love we had for as long as we did, with no question or doubt. I know that because we are eternal soulmates it is your hand that will be reaching out the farthest to grab mine when I come to see you. Love always and forever your Bug Of Love- Alexia

Ed Mazzarella

December 13, 2009

Julie,

I'm really sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Lisa Gomez

December 12, 2009

Julie,
So so sorry to hear about your loss you are in my prayers and i am thinking about you, Hope you can find peace. Lisa Gomez and Family

Tracy Dorrance

December 12, 2009

My deepest sympathies to you and yours Julie. As a mother, I can only pray that you find some peace in knowing Derek's life touched many and will continue to do so. Blessings to you at this time.

Mario & Nana Lalli and family

December 11, 2009

Dearest Julie your family , friends of Derek,

May Derek live in your hearts now and for always. Keep him close.

Thinking about you and your family and your sweet boy. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Derek God's very special angel.

December 11, 2009

So sorry for the loss of a young man however, he lives on with his gift of life for others!!

December 11, 2009

I am so sad that he was so young and died, but he remains alive with his gift of life for others!!

Jeff McLean

December 11, 2009

I'm so very sorry about the loss of Derek. He's a wonderful, beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you Julie, Jade, Monte and the rest of the family.

Linda Brooks

December 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with all of Derek's family and friends. May you find peace knowing there are many of us out here who send love and may you carry wonderful memories of Derek with you always.

Patricia Davis

December 10, 2009

God go with you Derek...My thoughts and prayers to Julie your Mother and Jade your sister and all his family and friends....

Patricia Dacis

Rich Pell

December 8, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Georgianna Mcglamary and Family

December 8, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

steffanie and Christy Armendares

December 8, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kim Crandall

December 8, 2009

Such a sweet sweet kid!
You will be forever missed Derek.
<3

Morissa Knudsen

December 8, 2009

Peace Derek, may you be at peace with my Gary. Morissa

Donna Redd

December 7, 2009

My prayers are with all of the family of this young man. I didn't know him but read about him in the paper. He struck me as a wonderful person and now that I see his smile, I am sure of it.

Joy Meredith

December 7, 2009

Derek was a fine young man whose last act was that of helping a friend. May he rest in peace and watch over the rest of us from his place with the great spirit. He will be remembered. I pray his family finds peace and that their grief transforms into beautiful memories of Derek.

Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results

Make a Donation
in Derek Short-Wilson's name

Memorial Events
for Derek Short-Wilson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Derek's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Derek Short-Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more