Gerald Edward Derby, age 79, of Sand Creek, passed away Monday, November 24, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his wife and loving family.
He was born March 14, 1935, in Wauseon, Ohio to earl Harvey and Marie (Zug) Derby. On June 23, 1956, he married Sondra Hillard in Lyons, Ohio and she survives. He served in the US Army from 1956-1958. Gerald was employed for over 50 years with the Local 324 IUOE, as a road construction engineer. Gerald and Sondra wintered in Lake Placid, FL for the past 20 years. He enjoyed bird watching, walking in nature and spending time with family and close friends. In addition to his loving wife, Sondra of 58 years, he is survived by two sons, Kevin (Anne) Derby of Britton and Jason (Laura) Derby of Adrian; two daughters, Cynthia Derby of Saginaw, MI and Brenda (Eric) Roe of Clayton; grandchildren, Brekke (Mike), Collen, Breanne (Kevin), Tiffany, Bradley, Brandon, Jonathan, Desarae, Brendan, Brooklyn and Jaxson; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Linden; one sister, Myrtle Downing of Lyons, Oh; sister and brother in laws, Doris Derby, Roger Schantz, Alberta Derby Haupricht, Douglas (Pat) Hillard, JoAnne (Bob) Pickens, Greg (Genie) Hillard, Linda (Dan) Salenbien, Larry (Roxanne) Hillard, Ron (Laurel) Hillard; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Joshua Roe; brothers, Glen (Veda), Wayne, Henry (Phyllis), Richard and Bob Downing; and sisters, Mary (Hal), and Helen. Funeral services for Gerald will be held on Friday, November 28, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian with Chaplain Gail Blum officiating. Burial will be in Lyons Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the V.F.W. Annis-Fint Post #1584 and the American Legion Post #97. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or the Fairfield Fire Department.