Kenneth Paul Derks Sr.'s Obituary
Kenneth Paul Derks, Sr. (aka Ken, Sonny, Daddy, Pawpaw, Pawpaw K.P., and Big Poppa) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the age of 84. Ken was born in Bedico, LA on Saturday, March 12, 1938, to Paul O. and Evelyn V. Derks. Ken is survived by his wife, Gwen Galloway Derks, children, Kenneth “Kenny” Derks, Jr, Tiffany Derks Castenada, Paul “Tony” Derks (Melissa), Dale Derks (Victoria), Hugh Derks (Leah), Howard “Billy” Derks, Dana Parker and Shawn Kelly, 21 grandchildren, Cody, Jenae, Zachariah. Vera, Paige (Cody), Michael, Henry, Julia (Dyllon), Jolie, Robert, Dale, Jr., Nina, Hugh, Jr., Luke, Lexi, Lila, Sean Michael, Jack, Emma, Jake and Josh, 4 great grandchildren, Maddox, Linden, Luca and Hayden. Ken was preceded in death by his parents Paul O. and Evelyn Vining Derks, his sister, Elaine Derks, his son-in-law, Michael Parker and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
A native of Ponchatoula, LA, and proud resident of Blond, LA, Ken graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1956. After high school he entered the United States Army where he proudly served from October 1958 – February 1962. Ken began his professional career as a Greyhound bus driver in 1963 where he met his first wife and lifelong friend, Donna Nobile Derks. Ken was a proud union member and was awarded a gold card upon his retirement.
Ken was the Patriarch of the Derks family. Ken never met a stranger and always had a joke or song to share, often one that he had just made up at that very moment. Ken had a fierce love for his God, country, family and friends. You could often find Ken on the sidelines of one of his grandchildren or great-children’s sporting events, dance recitals or music performances. Ken was loving, compassionate, and most of all a very caring person to all. He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, taking walks, riding his golf cart through the woods, or just enjoying the fresh air. He was an avid and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. However, his true passion was spending time with his loving family and friends. Ken was unique and irreplaceable, well respected and liked, and will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His spirit and tender nature will remain in the many memories of his cherished friends and family until they meet him again.
In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions in memory of Kenneth Paul Derks, Sr. to A Soldier’s Child Foundation or The Ashford Rise School of Dallas.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will take place following the service at Theodore Dendinger Cemetery, Madisonville, LA.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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