Michael Derr

Michael Derr, beloved husband of Dianne Lindsay, passed away on September 25. He was born March 5, 1944, in Great Falls, Montana, to Iris Embody Derr and Roy Derr. He grew up in Montana and always loved the hills and climate of the great northwest. His family moved to Eureka, CA, when Michael was in high school, and he attended Humboldt State University, earning bachelors and masters degrees in scene design and technical theatre. He worked in theatre and university settings all his life. He 1980 he arrived in Baton Rouge to become scene designer and technical director at the Baton Rouge Little Theatre, where he and Dianne met. They shared a sweet, strong, and special love for over thirty years. Michael retired this year from his position as director of the LSU Union Theatre, where he had served since 1986. Michael is survived by his daughters Melissa Derr, of Seattle, Washington, and Jennifer Talbert Miller, of Redlands, CA, his sisters Judy Reynolds and Linda Laeger and brother, Ron Derr. He also leaves step-children Lisa Lindsay, Julie Lindsay Moulton, Doug Lindsay, and Ned Lindsay and fourteen grandchildren. They will miss his sweet disposition, boundless hospitality, and unfortunately lame jokes. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 28 at 2:00pm in the Shirley Plakidas Reception Room at the LSU Union Theater. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the LSU Foundation, favoring the Union Theater.