Derrick, Grant R.

Grant R. Derrick

(May 24, 1922 - January 13, 2012)

Grant R. Derrick, 89, of Benton, died Friday, January 13, 2012, at his home.

Born May 24, 1922, in Opps, he was a son of the late Frank and Marie Lowe Derrick. He and his wife, the former Florence E. Hetzel, celebrated 62 years of marriage on November 12, 2011.

Grant served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a combat veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Grant was a self employed truck driver for 46 years, retiring in 2004. He was a member of NRA, VFW Avoca, New York and enjoyed hunting.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are four sons, William J. (Nancy) Derrick of Unityville, Larry R. (Kimberly) Derrick of Millville, Jerry A. (Joyce) Derrick of Hughesville and Dennis R. (Reanna) Derrick of Hebron, Kentucky; two daughters, Janet L. Schwartzbeck of Paoli and Peggy J. (Larry) Phillips of Unityville; a sister, Violet Clementoni of Hughesville; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Grant was preceded in death by a grandson, Larry R. Derrick Jr.; five brothers; and a sister.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville, with the Rev. Max L. Walters Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Talmar, with graveside military honors accorded by combined veterans organizations. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.