Miles V. Derrick was born March 11, 1950, to Miles Derrick and JoAnn Thomas. He passed away of natural causes on 11/18/2023.
Miles graduated from Sedalia High School in Missouri followed by proudly serving in the U.S. Army. He then made Des Moines, IA his forever home. Miles met Janet Derrick in 1975 who then became his wife in 1977.
As a child he enjoyed being outdoors, Boy Scouts, fishing, riding his bike. He began helping at his grandma’s restaurant/bar learning how to cook for his sisters and got his business knowledge. His first job would be as a lap counter at the Missouri State Fair stock car races and then on to usher boy. As an adult he worked at Mid Continent Bottlers for 22 years. Then moved into the movie theatre manager role for the following 18 years. He had other jobs in between including owning several businesses with his wife.
For fun Miles became a stock car racer, hot air balloon crew member and avid bow hunter. For relaxation, his passion was being with family and friends, helping with projects outdoors, riding ATV’s and vacationing. If OU Sooners was playing football, he was glued to the TV.
A more serious passion involved genealogical research and Cherokee heritage. Miles was a proud of his Cherokee heritage, he was a direct descendent of Trail of Tears and his 5th great grandmother was Nancy Ward, renowned Cherokee beloved woman.
Miles is survived by his wife Janet Derrick, Daughters, Brandee Derrick (Nick Ripperger) of Johnston, IA, and Staci Derrick of Des Moines, IA. Following was a special blessing of granddaughter Kiera Derrick (Key) who would then keep papa busy babysitting and running to her activities.
Miles also had a previous union of marriage that included a daughter Michelle Richard (Josh) of Norwalk, IA. Two grandchildren Nicholas Wawers (Mandy) of Norwalk, IA, and Alishia Huddleson (Robert) of Des Moines, IA and three great grandchildren, Cade, Charles, and Nilayah.
Miles was preceded in death by his parents, Miles and Jackie Derrick, JoAnn Thomas, twin sons, and a sister Rena Derrick. He also had two loving sled dogs Kicking Bear and Lakota Gray.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, OK.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310.
Live stream the memorial service by clicking this link: https://player.vimeo.com/video/886582990
