It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Joseph Derdeyn announces his passing on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the age of 90 years. Don will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 65 years, Lorraine, and his children, Jim (Susan), Dan, Ric (Terry), Patti (Kevin) Blake, Steve, Tom (Wendy), Linda (Stan) Jackson, Dave (Alicia), and LeeAnn. Don will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: Luke (Carolyn), Aaron, Benji, Katy, Donnie (Amanda), Christi (Michael), Ashley, Michael, Elizabeth, Joel, Sam, David, Aidan, Robert, and Jared; his seven great grandchildren, his siblings Blanche Blackburn, Jack (Dee), and Marguerite (Robert) Radkiewicz. He is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Lucile, and his brothers, Maurice and Robert.
Don was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas where he graduated high school from St. Anne’s Academy and was the captain of the football squad. He attended seminary for a year, then enlisted in the army. After his honorable discharge, he attended Creighton University under the G.I. Bill. He later transferred to St. Louis University. He met the love of his life, Lorraine Kluge, through her brother Gene on a group outing in 1951. They became engaged on New Year’s Eve of that year and were married in August 1952. Although they lived in several different places, they established their home in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas and lived there happily for 54 years. Don was an avid fan of the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and Dallas Mavericks, a pastime he shared with his children. He also enjoyed taking them on hunting and fishing trips in north Texas. He worked various jobs throughout his early adulthood including accounting and sales, but later in life, he became a master electrician and contractor, and started his own business, DESCO Electric. He successfully ran this business with his wife and sons until his retirement. He and Lorraine enjoyed retirement in Oak Cliff, spending time with their family and staying involved in their home parish of St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Don sang for many years in the church choir since music was one of his passions. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
A visitation will be held at Calvary Hill Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 5:00-8:00pm, with the rosary starting at 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held in the North Chapel at Calvary Hill Cemetery on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 10:00am. Interment will follow in the family plot at Calvary Hill Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Vitas Healthcare for the excellent and compassionate care that Don received. For those who wish to, they may make donations in memory of Don to St Cecilia Catholic Church Building Fund (Church Office: 214-941-5821), MaryKnoll Society (www.maryknollsociety.org) or the Food For The Poor Organization (www.foodforthepoor.org).
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