Derek Scott Stites

Derek Scott Stites, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at Bryan West Hospital at 9pm surrounded by his family. He was born two weeks early on December 24th, 1991, in Council Bluffs, IA. His early entry into this world should have been the sign of how important he was and that he was ready to live life to the fullest.

During his early childhood he was happiest when he could make people laugh and smile. He was playful and always had a story to tell. Derek loved to be center stage. Some of his favorite things from his childhood were watching Lion King and pretending to be Simba, playing with Hot Wheels, pretending to be a WWE wrestler, playing/watching football, and of course video games. His favorite activities were camping with his grandparents, playing soccer, baseball, and even basketball. Derek was always busy. Derek enjoyed to watch his sisters grow and teach them a thing or two.

Derek and his mother spent many hours in the car together. One of their favorite pass times was to sing favorite songs as loud and proud as possible. Sometimes the music would take over, and his mother would start doing her best disco arm dance moves, which were difficult as she was driving. Derek would smile, roll his eyes, and tell her to never do that in public.

In his younger years, Derek enjoyed passing the football around with his father. Through Derek's known stubbornness, he would complete yard work even if he did not want to. Derek enjoyed time with his father working on cars and talking about football. Time they spent together meant the most, especially when shooting pool in the basement of the house.

In his early adulthood he became a father to Maci Jo Baker (6.10.2011). As he was growing, he explored life to the fullest trying to find his footing in this world. He had to experience new and different things to learn his likes and dislikes throughout his life. He traveled and spent time in different places to learn his home will always be Nebraska.

Derek moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2019 to be with the person he loved Jessica Ruhl. Throughout the years they experienced both extreme highs and extreme lows. Beyond any hardships, they always belonged together. There is no question about the immense love they held for each other. Two of the most notable highs are the births of their two beautiful children, Harlee June Stites (3.18.2021) and Memphis James Taylor Stites (8.10.2022).

Every day the children grew, the love for them continued to soar. Derek made sure they knew how loved they are. He loved to play and hear their contagious laughs. They were, and still are, his entire world.

Derek enjoyed welding and construction work for his career, which he always did well. He was always a hard worker. He enjoyed watching football (GO EAGLES), video games, his children, animals, and family. Most importantly, Derek enjoyed the time he got to spend with his family and the life he got to live.

Derek is survived by his Fiancé Jessica Ruhl and their children Harlee & Memphis Stites. His daughter Maci Baker. His mother and stepfather Kimberly & Jim Lawless. His father and stepmother Paul & Dawn Stites. His sister, brother-in-law, & their two children Amanda, Joseph, Ryker, & Finley Stephany. His sister Jamie Stites. His grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and many wonderful friends. He is preceded in death by Derek & Jessica’s angel baby. His grandfather's Jim Sorensen, Paul Stites, and Ron Mascher.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday March 26th, 2026, at 2:00pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. 6800 South 14th St, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68512. Following the service will be time to share memories experienced with Derek with those who cared about him most.