Derek James Melton

Derek was a graduate of Edgewood High School, class of 2005. After high school Derek received a scholarship to play baseball, starting his career at Wabash Valley and then moved to University of Evansville on a baseball scholarship as well. During the summer prior to his senior year at UE, he suffered a neck injury from a swimming accident while playing for the Lacrosse Loggers in Wisconsin, who are in the esteemed Northwoods League that develops elite college baseball players. He was named Most Valuable Player, leading his team in all three Triple Crown categories. Derek was an exceptional multi-sport athlete, he set goals for his future and sacrificed to achieve them. He was being scouted by several professional teams and was very deserving of that attention. However, Derek’s greatest accomplishments came in the years following his accident. The way he overcame the most impossible situations with strength and dignity, and inspired others with his unstoppable resolve. Derek found peace through his faith in God and saw what was truly good in life, even after having so much taken from him. After years of adversity, Derek went back to school with unmatched dedication and graduated with honors from Miami University. Derek was also inducted into the Edgewood Hall of Fame. And, with great determination, again, became a licensed driver in 2021. He taught at Edgewood High School in 2021 and 2022, and recently accepted a position with Talawanda Schools, as a senior Government teacher, in a field he loved. Derek was a member of the Edgewood Baptist Church in Trenton.

Derek was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Pearl Dalton, Dennis and Bernice Melton, his uncle, Larry Melton, and his aunt, Diane McGuire. He is survived by his parents, Earnie and Teresa Melton; his sister, Lindsey Melton; his nieces, Sydney and Madi; his nephew, Evan; his service dog and faithful companion, Rome; and being blessed with a huge family, numerous aunts, uncles cousins, and many other family members and friends.

A visitation for Derek will be held Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Edgewood Baptist Church, 1010 W State Street, Trenton, OH 45067. The funeral services will be Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Edgewood Baptist Church with Pastor Keith Risner officiating. Burial will be in Miltonville Cemetery.

If so desired, memorial contributions can be made to Canine Companion’s for Independence using the link provided.

https://p2p.onecause.com/tributegift