Joseph Derringer

Joseph “Joe” Robert Derringer, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, after a brief illness, with his beloved wife Carolyn by his side. He was born on March 3, 1944, in Corbin, Kentucky, to Joseph Robert Derringer, Sr. and Geneva Miller Derringer.

He grew up in Evansville, Indiana, and graduated from Central High School in 1961. He attended Evansville College for one year before joining the United States Air Force in 1962. The Air Force sent Joe to Syracuse University for an intensive year of Czechoslovakian language training, after which he served as an interpreter with the Air Force Security Service.

On October 12, 1963, Joe married the love of his life, Carolyn Boyd Derringer. Shortly after their wedding, the couple moved to Germany, where they lived for four years while Joe continued his service as a Czechoslovakian interpreter. He was honorably discharged in September 1968 and returned to Evansville, completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Evansville College in 1969.

Joe enjoyed a long and successful career as a commercial real estate developer, overseeing the planning and development of commercial properties and later residential communities in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado. Colorado became “home” for Joe and Carolyn, where they spent most of their lives together.

On January 25, 1971, Joe and Carolyn welcomed their son, Joseph Scott Derringer, who became the center of their lives. Joe cherished time with his family above all else.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn; his son, Scott (Jennifer) Derringer; and his grandson, Daniel K. Derringer. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandy (Cal) Meyer and Sheila Canada; his brothers Dennis (Anita) Derringer, Jim (Deb) Derringer, and Kenny (Patty) Derringer; his aunt, Billie Miller-Storms; brother-in-law, James E. (Marilyn) Boyd; sister-in-law, Cecile J. Boyd Lance; brother-in-law, Keith (Elaine) Patterson; sister-in-law, Sharon Patterson Proctor; and many beloved nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Geneva Derringer, as well as Carolyn’s parents, Pansy (Boyd) and William Patterson.

Joe loved spending time with Carolyn, enjoyed playing golf, and treasured moments shared with friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s honor may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com