Derek "Dee-Rock" Dickens

Derek was preceded in death by his parents, Henry R. Dickens and Annie L. Dickens; his brothers, Jerome Dickens, Brian Dickens (“Red”), and Wayne Dickens; his son, Dominick L. Dickens; and his niece, Abril Mills.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Kaylah Dickens and Derek Dickens Jr., and his step-son, Tyriq Jackson; his brother Kirk Dickens and sister-in-law Lisa Dickens; his sister Deaneilua Dickens-Williams and brother-in-law Ernie Williams; and his brother Troain Dickens and sister-in-law Tracey Dickens. He is also survived by his nephews Henry Dickens, Dajaun Preister, Troain Dickens Jr. Terrell Dickens, and Ja’Den Willimas; his nieces Renee Dickens, Jerres Dickens, and Taylor Dickens; his aunt Adriene Dickens; his sister-in-law Damaris Dickens; the mothers of his children, Tina Jackson and Lisa Reiter; grand-daughter Aura Jackson and a host of cousins and extended family members.

Derek was educated in the Newark and East Orange public school systems and later attended Job Corps, where he earned his GED. He spent much of his career working for Ford Motor Company in New Jersey and Missouri before transitioning into a career as a CDL driver.

Derek was known as a strong-minded individual and a genuinely good person. He carried a deep sense of family and loyalty in his spirit, evident to anyone who shared an in-depth conversation with him—something that happened often. His legacy is not defined by what he left behind, but by the cherished memories he leaves in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May God welcome him into His mansion of many rooms, where a place has been prepared for him, and may He surround Derek’s loved ones with comfort, strength, and peace, knowing that Derek now rests in a better place.

A Home Going Celebration will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home, located at 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO, 64119. The service is scheduled for January 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM.