Donald "Don" L. Derrick

Donald “Don” L. Derrick, age 78 of Mattoon, IL passed away Sunday June 28, 2026, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, IL from glioblastoma. A funeral mass in his honor will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 320 N. 21st St., Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery. The visitation will be held on the same day from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Don was born on October 24, 1947, in Enid, OK to the late F. Lester and Thoran M. (Miller) Derrick. He married the love of his life Emma L. Ake on September 4, 1970, in Anthony, KS. He is survived by his wife, Emma Derrick of Mattoon, IL; three children, Jody Derrick and wife Lauralene of Ponca City, OK, Charles Derrick of Mattoon, IL, Pat Eastin and husband Andy of Mattoon, IL; fifteen grandchildren: Christopher Camden Derrick of Ponca City, OK, Jennifer Lauriann Rhymer and husband Stephen of McPhearson, KS, Jonathan Lee Derrick, Drew Matthew Eastin and wife Jade, Kyah Lynn Minnich and husband Alex, Ty Derrick Eastin, all of Mattoon, IL, Priscilla Rose Derrick, David Nicolas Derrick and wife CiCi, Emmali Grace, Melody Nicole, Olivia Joy, Camden Jace, Ruby Juliette, Elijah Gabriel, and Theodore Asher Derrick, all of Ponca City, OK; three great-grandchildren, Everett Rhymer, Ezra Eastin, Oakley Minnich, and two more on the way; brother, Steve Derrick and wife Julia of Woodward, OK; sisters, Sue Harden and husband Marc of Manchester, OK, June Fontes and husband Michael of Boise, ID. Don was raised on a farm in Wakita, OK. In his younger years, he put himself through college by traveling the wheat harvest throughout the state. He then received his Bachelors in Business Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK. He retired from Starr Lumber Company, where he served as an assistant manager for thirty-four years. After his retirement, he and wife moved to Mattoon, IL to be closer to family. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon, IL and was honored to obtain the highest rank of the 4th Degree of Knights of Columbus in Oklahoma. Don enjoyed a nice cold Diet Dr. Pepper, classic country music, and solving all issues that may have arisen. He was an avid Oklahoma University sports fan, loved golf, and played pinochle. He never met a stranger and was known for his wit and one-liners that made everyone laugh. Don was a man of great morals and values. When he entered the room, he brought presence, kindness, and calmness. Although he was a wonderful man, Don was an even better husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the light of his life. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of being a well-loved man. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Donald "Don" L. Derrick

October 24, 1947 - June 28, 2026