David Frank Derby was born in Anadarko, Oklahoma on July 24th, 1948, to Bert Leroy Derby and Vella Alma Hill Derby. They lived in Apache, Oklahoma, and moved to Richland, WA in 1948, where Bert Derby worked as a Machinist at J. A. Jones. David was the youngest child born. He had a sister, Dorothy Lee Derby Stevens born 1932, and brother Richard “Don” Derby born 1934.

David went to Spalding Grade School, Carmichael Jr. High School, and Columbia High School, a true Richland Bomber. “Class of 66” David spent the summer month of 67 working at Randle Ranger Station as a volunteer forest fire fighter, and then a year at Columbia Basin College. David joined the Army in February of 1968. His Basic Training was at Ft. Lewis, Washington. That same year in September of 1968, he married Sandra Kay Miller and they had two children, Julie Estelle Derby born 1972, and Bert David Derby born 1974. David was sent to the U.S. Army Ordance Center and School in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. David was certified in an eleven week course duration of welding, and two weeks of Associate Instructor of welding, after this training he was deployed to Saigon, Vietnam, in February 1969 to February 1970, serving as a Senior Welder at the equipment Services branch of Saigon Port for the 154th Transportation Company near Long Binh, Vietnam. while there he was a awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

After the Army he became a Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service for 8 years from 1971 to February 1978. He then started his career at Hanford working at Stores in June of 1978. At that time the company was Rockwell Hanford, and later became Fluor Daniel when he retired from Stores in 2008, after 30 years of service. David enjoyed many wonderful years of fishing with his best friend Greg Boness, and also Greg’s brother Kris, out on the Columbia River, at Paterson. He holds the record for being the first person to catch a Walleye from the Snake River. Dave grew up enjoying his friendship with all of the Boness family through his fond childhood memories and throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed duck hunting, he did some golfing also. Many fun memories of watching his brother Don race at the West Richland Race track. David was involved in many happy Christmas and New Years celebrations with the Stevens’, Duncans and Broussards, laughing with his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed many get togethers with his Nieces Vella and Terry, and Nephews Mark and Bob. David enjoyed watching his son Bert play football, baseball, and basketball throughout all his school years, and his daughter Julie in softball and baton twirling and parades and Choir. Dave’s pride and joy was when his daughter Julie blessed him with his granddaughter Amanda Kay Derby, who works as a Deputy Sheriff in Oregon. She has blessed her Grandpa Derby with his first Great Grandson Carter who is 8 years old, and has loved watching Carter growing up. David’s son Bert was also blessed during his Afghanistan year in the Army, coming home to his son Connor making David a Grandpa for a second time. Connor is 14 years old, and has enjoyed many Christmas and Birthday celebrations, with his Grandpa Derby, plus many fun outings going to the Dairy Queen and having laughs together. Dave always enjoyed celebrating his Grandson Connor’s math and Algebra grades that he was so proud of him getting perfect scores in High School this year. David was always invited to all family Christmas gatherings, Thanksgivings, Fourth of July celebrations, and Birthdays. David’s family and friends meant the world to him, and his fun afternoons at “Two Bits and a Bite” to raise a glass and relax with friends gave him happiness and solitude. Life ended way too soon for all of his family and friends who miss him dearly, and his jokes and laughter will be with us all forever. You always sent your Angels for us, and now we are sending our Angels for you.

David’s living family are Julie Estelle Derby, Bert David Derby, Amanda Kay Derby, Connor David Derby, Carter Joseph Abbett, Vella Duncan, Mike Duncan, Gayle Duncan, Megan Duncan, Nora Duncan, Leroy Duncan, Terry Broussard, Jamie Broussard, Jorgie Broussard, Pamela Stevens, Laura Stevens, Michael Glass, Robert (Bobbie) Stevens, Benjamin Stevens, Nick Stevens, Anna Stevens Couch, Timothy Couch, Robert Couch, Franklin Couch, Arthur Derby, Dawn Marie, and Mary.

David is preceded in death by: Bert Leroy Derby, Vella Alma Derby, Dorothy Lee Derby Stevens, Ralph Stevens Jr., Mark Leroy Stevens, David Broussard, Richard Don Derby, Bonnie Derby, Richard (Rick) Derby, Dorothy Sturgeon, Ruth Jack and Robert Jack. Jesse Franklin Hill and Nora May Hill, Frank Derby and Hattie Estelle Derby.