J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

SFC Ret. Derr, John R.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

SFC Retired, John R. Derr, 63, of Hopewell passed away Saturday March 27, 2010. He served with the United States Army for a period of 23 years and served 2 tours of duty in Viet Nam retired in 1988, was an avid golfer and loved his dogs. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Elfriede M. "Elfie" Derr, sons: Robert John Derr, who is serving with the United States Navy, & his wife Yolanda of Virginia Beach, Thomas A. Derr & his wife Julie Ruloff Derr of Colonial Heights, grandchildren: Jason M., Allen M., Rachel N., T. Austin, Sydney R. Derr, brother: David Derr & his wife Judy of Kansas, sister Joanne Wheeler & her husband George of New York, several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Thursday April 1, 2010, 7:00 PM at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

I am sorry to hear of John's passing. I enjoyed working with him while we worked for LESCO and here at Fort Lee. My heart goes out to his family as I know they truly miss him. I will always remember his laugh, and how he always seem to brighten my day. He will definitely be missed by all, especially those that had the pleasure of working with him.

Posted by: Deianna Wynn at April 1, 2010 12:44 PM

On behalf of my father Neal McMillan,
I am sending condolences to the Derr family. My father enjoyed working with him for many years. My father also stated how much of a help John was to him after my mother had a stroke in the mid 90's. John offered much help and support to him during a very difficult time in his life. He is very grateful to him for that. He will greatly miss running into him on post. He loved his sense of humor and is deeply saddened by his passing.
He feels very blessed to have known him.

Posted by: Neal McMillan at March 31, 2010 11:12 PM

to the family of john - my heart goes out to you, i worked with john during and after my own touch of cancer - i can only offer my condolences and the fact that I will have john in my memory, the fond part of my memory, for a very long time - god bless and my thoughts and prayes are with you all - mike senski

Posted by: mike senski at March 30, 2010 08:35 PM

Aunt Elfie, Tommy/Julie, Robbie/Yolanda and family~

You're all in my thoughts and prayers out here on the opposite coast.

Uncle John has always been very special to me and it's hard to accept that he has passed.

Much love,
Debbie

Posted by: Debbie Derr at March 30, 2010 06:38 PM

Thomas I am so sorry to hear about your father passing. I remember when your family just moved in and we met and became close friends. I remember spending time at your house with you and your dad. Your dad was a great man and was funny he could always make you laugh. He will be missed.

Posted by: Jonathan Terry at March 29, 2010 03:16 PM

Elfie,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of John. We always had fun together while working and especially cheating at playing Uno. He had a great sense of humor and was always there to boost my spirits if I was uptight about something.

He will be missed by all who knew him. Our loss and heavens gain.

Posted by: Howard Di Savino at March 29, 2010 01:20 PM