Derrick Henry Wakeham

Derrick Henry Wakeham, 88, passed away after a brief illness Thursday, April 27, 2017, at his home in Villa Park, CA. Memorial services will be at Waverly Chapel, Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana, CA. Derrick was born October 15, 1928 in Stockton, CA, to Mina Belle Hollenbeck Wakeham and William H Wakeham. Derrick was preceded in death by Jessie Barnes, step-sister and his brother, and lifelong friend, Bill H Wakeham. His sister, Ruth Diekman, lives in Lodi, CA and sister-in-law, Barbara Wakeham, in Clements, CA, where Derrick grew up. Derrick’s Grandfather, Hubert H Wakeham was an early settler in Orange County; having purchased a 206-acre farm from James McFadden in the 1870’s where they raised 6 children including Derrick’s Father, William H Wakeham. The Wakeham family constitutes one of the longest unbroken chains of land ownership in Costa Mesa. Derrick lived life to the fullest. After graduation from Lodi Union High School, he worked simultaneously while attending Stockton College for two years, then transferred to the University of California College of Agriculture, Davis, California. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving two years in Japan. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1955 with the rank of airman first class. He was united in marriage to Selma Barta on June 23, 1962 in Fullerton, CA To this union, they were blessed with two children, a son, Dirk D. Wakeham (Kathleen Magner) a daughter, Dana Lynn McCaulley, and grandchildren, Madison (Maddie) Wakeham, Connor Wakeham, Amanda McCaulley, Jonathan McCaulley, and Ryan McCaulley. Derrick was the original "Mr. Fix It”, designing and constructing all the landscape and hardscape at their dream home in Villa Park which he later added a 2-room addition. He also restored a 1951 Ford 8N Tractor, repaired his own vehicles through the years, and fixed pretty much anything that broke. He was employed by Chevron for several years until he chose to become an entrepreneur. He and Selma began investing in rental real estate that remained his primary interest. But he made time to become a Scoutmaster for his son's Boy Scout troop, and a member of a Lions club. He had a passionate interest in trains all his life and belonged to the Historic Railroad Society. He taught his children good values and was a loving family man. He was a low key, kind and gentle soul and will be truly missed by his family and many friends.