Robert W. Derby, Sr.

Robert W. Derby, Sr. of Laporte, Colorado passed away on July 18, 2011. He was born January 24, 1940 to Virginia and Daniel Derby in Salisbury, Maryland. He grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and graduated from Claremont High School. Robert joined the United States Air Force in 1959 and got married to his first love, Marion Phillips in 1960. He had a very distinguished career with many honors and retired from the Air Force in 1980. Robert followed his passion of teaching becoming the Dean of Academics and electronic instructor with DeVry Institute of Technology for 20 years. He married his second wife, Brandy, on February 14, 1981 and lived with her for 30 years in Riverside, California. He will be fondly remembered for his warm inviting smile and his ability to make everyone laugh. He was always willing to help a friend in need and never met anyone he did not like. Robert is survived by his sons, Robert and Derwood Derby; daughter, Tanla Maiorka and their families; his brothers, John and wife, Debbie, Charles and wife, Andrea, Danny and wife, Donna; sisters, Jane and husband, Pat, Julie and husband, Bob, Mary Elizabeth and Pei; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Daniel Derby; brother, Richard Derby and his second wife, Brandy Derby. He loved teaching, fishing, and just plain having fun. Till we meet again my Precious Daddy, Father, Grandpa, Brother and Son. May God hold you forever in His Grace.