Specialist 4th Class Brian Keith Derks, age 21, passed away from injuries he received while serving his country in the United States Army stationed with the Fox Group Second Squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq. Brian was born on July 12, 1984 in Fremont to Keith and Peggy (Willson) Derks. Brian graduated from White Cloud High School in 2003 where was enjoyed and was an active member of the Quiz Bowl team, football, and baseball teams. After graduation, Brian worked at Bob Evans Restaurant in Big Rapids for a short time before he enlisted in the United States Army. Brian was an active member of the White Cloud community where he was a lifelong member of the Christ Lutheran Church; an active member of the White Cloud Boy Scouts Troop #1137 where he became and Eagle Scout and served as assistance Scout Master for a period. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, computers and spending time with his family on all the holiday's but especially Thanksgiving. Brian's sense of humor kept everybody laughing, his loyalty first to God then to his family and friends and his country and his generosity will always be remembered. He is survived by his loving parents, Keith and Peggy Derks of White Cloud; his sister, Sally Derks of White Cloud; his fiancee', Nikki Crans of Fremont; maternal grandparents, Emery and Esther Willson of White Cloud; paternal grandparents, Vernon and Evelyn Derks of Fremont; aunts and uncles, Randy (Sue) Derks of Fremont; Randy (Margaret) Willson of White Cloud; Ricky (Delvina) Willson of Dover, Maryland; Harry (Terri) Willson of White Cloud; 13 cousins; many great aunts, uncles and cousins; numerous friends he called mom and dad, brothers and sisters and his best buds. VISITATION: Sunday 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Crandell Funeral Home - White Cloud Chapel, 1109 Court Street White Cloud. FUNERAL SERVICES: Monday at 11am at the First Christian Reformed Church 721 Hillcrest in Fremont with Rev. Richard Hoogerhyde of the Christ Lutheran Church presiding. INTERMENT: White Cloud Cemetery 500 Wilcox Ave in White Cloud. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: White Cloud High School Quiz Bowl or Boy Scouts of America, White Cloud Troop #1137. Envelopes will be available at the visitation or funeral services. Friends may also send condolences or share a memory with the Derk's family at www.crandellfh.com. Crandell-White Cloud 1109 Court Street www.crandellfh.com 231-689-1492 or 1-888-358-8704 Published in the Muskegon Chronicle on 8/18/2005.
Specialist 4th Class Brian Keith Derks, age 21, passed away from injuries he received while serving his country in the United States Army stationed with the Fox Group Second Squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq. Brian was born on July 12, 1984 in Fremont to Keith and Peggy (Willson) Derks. Brian graduated from White Cloud High School in 2003 where was enjoyed and was an active member of the Quiz Bowl team, football, and baseball teams. After graduation, Brian worked at Bob Evans Restaurant in Big Rapids for a short time before he enlisted in the United States Army. Brian was an active member of the White Cloud community where he was a lifelong member of the Christ Lutheran Church; an active member of the White Cloud Boy Scouts Troop #1137 where he became and Eagle Scout and served as assistance Scout Master for a period. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, computers and spending time with his family on all the holiday's but especially Thanksgiving. Brian's sense of humor kept everybody laughing, his loyalty first to God then to his family and friends and his country and his generosity will always be remembered. He is survived by his loving parents, Keith and Peggy Derks of White Cloud; his sister, Sally Derks of White Cloud; his fiancee', Nikki Crans of Fremont; maternal grandparents, Emery and Esther Willson of White Cloud; paternal grandparents, Vernon and Evelyn Derks of Fremont; aunts and uncles, Randy (Sue) Derks of Fremont; Randy (Margaret) Willson of White Cloud; Ricky (Delvina) Willson of Dover, Maryland; Harry (Terri) Willson of White Cloud; 13 cousins; many great aunts, uncles and cousins; numerous friends he called mom and dad, brothers and sisters and his best buds. VISITATION: Sunday 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Crandell Funeral Home - White Cloud Chapel, 1109 Court Street White Cloud. FUNERAL SERVICES: Monday at 11am at the First Christian Reformed Church 721 Hillcrest in Fremont with Rev. Richard Hoogerhyde of the Christ Lutheran Church presiding. INTERMENT: White Cloud Cemetery 500 Wilcox Ave in White Cloud. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: White Cloud High School Quiz Bowl or Boy Scouts of America, White Cloud Troop #1137. Envelopes will be available at the visitation or funeral services. Friends may also send condolences or share a memory with the Derk's family at www.crandellfh.com. Crandell-White Cloud 1109 Court Street www.crandellfh.com 231-689-1492 or 1-888-358-8704 Published in the Muskegon Chronicle on 8/18/2005.
