Derek James Pyle

The memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on April 7, 2016 at Surprise Funeral Care in Surprise, Arizona. Pastor Ben E. Leonard of Church on the Green will be officiating.

Derek was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 28, 1967. He graduated from Irmo High School, and attended The University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. He was married to Kristina Ann Pyle (Ward) on October 4, 2008.

Derek served in the United States Air Force as a K9 law enforcement specialist and Presidential bodyguard. He was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Derek dreamed of opening a restaurant with his wife, Kristina. Ivy League Dogs opened in 2010 in Goodyear, AZ, where they fed a local fan base with the motto “With God, all things are possible.” He pursued his passions of scuba diving and riding his motorcycle. He had recently become a grandfather, and took tremendous delight in spending time with his grandsons.

Derek is survived by his wife Kristina, parents Jim and Sharon Pyle; sister Kim Isenberg (John Isenberg); daughters Haley Noel (Dan Noel) and Kourtney Minsky (Chris Minsky), and grandsons Danny Noel and Barrett Minsky.

Derek is preceded in death by his grandparents Jim and Ozella Pyle and George and Mary James.

Derek had a heart for children with cancer; in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Children’s Cancer Network, 6150 W Chandler Blvd Ste 1, Chandler, AZ 85226.