The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Nelson Joseph Derrick, Sr., 87, of Orange, died Wednesday, March 06, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Funeral services will be at 4:00 pm, Friday, March 8, at Slade Chapel of First United Methodist Church in Orange. Officiating will be the Rev. John Warren of First United Methodist Church in Orange and Pastor Trenton Worsham of Lake Point Church in Rowlett.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Friday at Slade Chapel of First United Methodist Church in Orange.

Nelson was born in Johnston, SC on May 24, 1925, to Boyd Dubose Derrick and Minnie Elizabeth (Kirkland) Derrick. He served in the United States Army during WWII in the corps of civil engineers. Nelson graduated from the University of South Carolina with his civil engineering degree and then was employed for DuPont where he retired after 40 years as a safety engineer. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Orange for many years. Nelson also was a mentor of the H.O.S.T. Program for West Orange Cove School District. He enjoyed spending his time playing golf and had a passion for all sports.

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers; and step-son, Lloyd M. Petrie.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Petrie Derrick of Orange; son, Nelson Joseph “Joe” Derrick and wife, Trudy of Georgetown; daughters, Barbara Jean Reinhardt and husband, Al of Victoria; Debra Dolores Worsham and husband, Keith of Victoria; step-daughter, Anna Petrie Harner of Orange; step-daughter-in-law, Doris Staub Petrie; grandchildren, Danny Derrick, David Derrick, Rebecca Rautio, Charles Reinhardt, Laura Murphy, Trenton Worsham, Terry Derrick; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers will be Danny Derrick, David Derrick, Charles Reinhardt, Trenton Worsham, Terry Derrick, Tim Murphy, and Kaarle Rautio. Honorary pallbearer is Bob Couser.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church; 502 N. 6th Street, Orange, TX., 77630; or an organization of your choice.