Neil Derrick

NEIL TIPTON DERRICK

Neil Tipton Derrick, age 71, of Kahoka, MO, died unexpectedly onThursday, January 8, 2004 in the emergency room of Keokuk Area Hospital.

He was born April 23, 1932 at Curryville, MO, the only child of Ralph H. and Alice Lorene Tipton Derrick.

On November 26, 1952, he and Carla R. Peterson were united in marriage at the Presbyterian Church in Kirksville, MO.

Survivors include his wife, Carla R. Derrick, of Kahoka, MO; one son, Neil Tipton Derrick, Jr. and his wife, Brenda, of Hannibal, MO; two daughters, Karen Cannon and her husband, Kirby, of Rolla, MO, and Laura Derrick of Springfield, MO; one granddaughter, Hilary Derrick of Hannibal, MO; a step grandson, Joshua Arnold of Hannibal, MO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim and Leila Inlow of Mexico, MO, Lynne Perrin of Madison, WI, and Jim Peterson and his wife, Kathy Pryor, of Lawrence, KS; three cousins, Alan Williams and his wife, Deanna, of Quincy, IL, Phillip Williams and his wife, Linda,of Vienna, IL, and Timothy Tipton and his wife, Gloria, of Frisco, TX; as well as other relatives.He was preceded in death by his parents.

Neil graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1949and from Kirksville State Teacher's College (now Truman State University) in 1953. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War and remained in the U. S. Army Reserves where he attained the rank of Major and ran reserve units in Memphis & Canton, and was S'3 in Quincy until the mid 1970's. Neil was a firm believer in Boy Scouts and although never a scout himself, was active at both local and district levels. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, which is Scoutings highest national honor. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow and reveived other scouting awards through the years.

Neil was an active and faithful member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka.

From 1955 until 2002 he had been a member of the Chancel Choir and for many years had taught the adult Sunday School class. He had taught Confirmation twice during interim periods without a pastor. He was a past member and officer of the Chamber of Commerce

From 1955 until this past September 30, Neil had been a salesman for Daniel Chevrolet in Kahoka and for 23 years was a member of General Motors' Legion of Leaders, awarded to top salesmen in each zone. He was true to whatever he did and believed in responsibility; these values earned him the respect of his family, friends, and customers.

He was very proud of his children, granddaughter, and step grandson and was a loyal fan

of whatever football team his son-in-law, Kirby, was coaching.

At his request, his body was donated to medical research. Memorial services are Monday, January 12, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Rev. Kenneth Beckmann officiating. Mrs. Kathy Wilson was pianist. Special music, "Blessed Assurance" was provided by Mr. Christopher Wheatley and "Go Now in Peace" by Mr. H L Plenge.

Visitation is from 6 p.m. Monday until time of services at Wilson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Kahoka Boy Scout Troop # 145, the Salvation Army, or the

St. Paul United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, Kahoka.

Arrangements were handled by Wilson Funeral Home.