Daniel Eugene Derrick

Daniel Eugene Derrick was born on January 3, 1939, to Elbert and Mary Derrick in Ellensburg, Washington. He passed away in Spokane Washington on June 27, 2024. He was the youngest of three boys and had a younger sister. Dan graduated with a Bachelors of Divinity from Central Washington Bible College, Selah, Washington. While attending college in Selah Dan met the love of his life, Leilani, who preceded him in death in 2014. The two were married at the Single Tree Ranch on Horse Heaven hills outside of Prosser, Washington, on September 3, 1959. Around that time Dan was working three jobs including being a bus driver. He filled in as pastor often in small churches such as in Dusty. Dan then got hired by the Bon Marche in Yakima, Washington where he worked until he applied for and was hired by the Washington State Patrol as a trooper cadet in September of 1967. Once completing the academy he was assigned to Spokane, Washington in 1968. In the winter of 1968, his first full year as a WSP Trooper, there was four feet of snow on the ground in Spokane. He spent that time helping motorists during a historical snowfall in the Spokane area. Dan was selected as the 1994 Trooper of the Year and received many awards in his career. He held several specialty positions within the WSP. He believed in the mission of saving lives. As an ordained minister and a state trooper Dan was leaned on heavily by many for emotional and spiritual support which he frequently and graciously administered. He performed weddings, funerals and many baby dedications. Dan and Lani were both very committed to their faith and spent their time ministering to many people. After retiring from the WSP with 32 years of law enforcement service and rank of Sergeant in January 1996, Dan and Lani served on the board of deacons at Ilwaco Community Church, and then were elected into full time pastoral ministry as senior pastor of the church, serving in that role for four years. Dan was a senior elder and teacher at Ocean Park Community Church from 2010 until 2023. Dan and Lani were constant companions, did pretty much everything together, frequently were found traveling to visit family and friends. Dan was preceded in death by his father Elbert and his mother Mary, his brother Dwight in 1991, and brother Wray in 2004. He is survived by his sister Carrol, sons Dale Derrick (wife Daylene), Darin (wife Tammi), Kirk Watson, Devyn (wife Joy), adopted daughter Susanne, and many grandchildren and many great grandchildren. In 2012, mom was diagnosed with colon cancer and Dan spent many months caring for her around the clock. In January of 2014, Dan’s best friend and love of his life of 54 years went home to be with the Lord. This broke Dan’s heart. Throughout those next few years Dan did his best to cope with his great loss but we all knew it was very hard for him. Dan is now reunited with his Lord and his best girl. Rest easy Dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend: you ran your race with incredible godly character, integrity, and endurance. Celebration of life service will be held August 3, 2024 at 2pm at Hazen and Jaeger located at 1306 N. Pines Road Spokane Valley, WA. A separate service for the west side will be held on July 20, 2024 at 1pm at Ocean Park Community Church located at 26709 Vernon Avenue Ocean Park, WA. In lieu of flowers it is requested to donate to Shriner’s Hospital.