I was so sorry to hear of Derek's passing, he was a great guy and a pleasure to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord give you his peace and comfort, I will keep you in my prayers, as I will Little John.

When we started working with the boy scouts, Derek was a very shy child; he rarely made eye contact with any adult.  Through the years it was my pleasure to work with Derek on his outdoor skills as well as his leadership skills.  We watched Derek grown from that once shy child into an amazing young man.  My proudest moment was on January 12, 2006, when I had the pleasure of sitting with Derek at his eagle scout board of review.

Just before his board of review, I told Derek, "When you go into this review, you go in and convince those gentlemen that you are an eagle scout.  When they ask questions, look them straight in the eye and give them your answers.  You prove to them that you are an eagle scout.  You've done the work that was required of you, you've held leadership positions that were required of you, and now you must go into that room and show them that you are truly an eagle scout."

When we walked out of that room, Derek Johnson was an eagle scout.  I consider it a privilege and a pleasure to say that Derek was one of the few to achieve that rank.  Since then, Derek became a member of our family.  Both the Johnsons and the Penrods grew closer over the years and with is passing we are losing our own son.

Derek, we love you, and you'll be greatly missed.

My memories of Derek started when our son, Logan crossed over from a cub scout to a boy scout in February 2003.  I thought Darrin was a quiet child, but no, Derek was even quieter.  He was a shy, sweet kid that always seemed calm and collected when ever I was around him.  He would get embarrassed so easily, but would always do what was asked of him on camp outs to the best of his ability.

Watching him grow from a shy child into a quiet young man was a privilege.  He was always willing to help us by working on our vehicles, and would never charge much to do it, only because he enjoyed working on cars so much.  Over the years, we became extremely close to the Johnson family and now feel that they are an extension of our own, to the point where we have planned vacations together since 2008.

On one of those vacations in December 2013, we took a cruise.  One evening Derek surprised us all when he ordered one of every appetizer on the menu and then ordered a couple entrees.  When we asked him where he was putting it, he gave us his typical Derek smile.

Like his wonderful mother, he would always help others, and that little smile he gave always made me laugh.  We love you, Derek and will miss you deeply.

I originally didn't know much about Derek, mostly because he just wasn't much of the talking type.  What I did know was that he was a good brother and friend.

I met Derek in boy scouts.  He was one of the kids that loved the fun things like camping, shotgun and archery practice or starting fires, as did all of us.  During that time, we didn't get as close as our parents did, but if it wasn't for Derek, I wouldn't have been able to meet my best friend, Darrin.  Through Darrin is where Derek and I started to see each other more often and began to hang out.

I'll never forget Derek.  We were in the same boy scout troop together and we even got our eagle scout badges together.  Our families were close, and he was even my go to car guy; if I ever had a problem with my car, I would go to him.  He would always tell me what was wrong with it before fixing the problem for me.  After a while, he became more than a scout brother, and more than a friend.

Derek was and always will be family, as will all of the Johnson and Dodane's.  He will never be gone; he will be with us in spirit, in our hearts, and forever in our memories until the day comes when we meet him again.

Derek is my cousin.  He and our other cousins and siblings are fairly close in age.  I will cherish all the memories of growing up together and knowing that the best memories were made when we were all together.  I remember going to grandma and grandpas and sliding down their stair case on our bellies or bottoms (we have no idea how that was fun or comfortable seeing those same stairs as adults).  Running around at their farm, taking turns riding on grandpas lap on the riding lawnmower, then when we were old enough taking turns driving that mower.  I know that time has made our cousin adventures fewer and farther between but no less meaningful and memorable.  Just last summer we had quite a bash.  It was 4th of July and we had a mega slip n slide complete with the occasional blowing up of random stuff (that was only the boys of course).  Today as we all are gathered together to celebrate you life, Derek, I want to say you were loved and will be missed by many, especially your cousins.

My memory of Derek is from our cruise in December 2013.  I know he wasn't sure about going in the beginning but I think that in the end he had fun.  We joked that the bed he was sleeping in was like the bunk that his cousin Cory had to sleep in in the Navy.  Derek and I got the chance to roam the entire ship for a day by ourselves.  We walked from one end to the other and explored all of the levels.  We got to hang out and talk and lounge by the pool.  It was an amazing time that I will never forget because hanging out like that with your nephew just doesn't happen much due to schedules and the busyness of life.  I am so thankful that I got to spend that time with him and I will greatly miss his kind and gentle spirit.  You were an amazing young man and I am honored to call you my nephew.  You will never be forgotten and will always be missed.

I remember when Derek would attend the racecar derby for boy scouts when he was younger.  My family would go and watch him and support him.  He always seemed to be in the better half as he put time into his car with motivation and determination to come out on top.  Derek was always involved with boy scouts and showed that he loved it and put in effort towards this activity.  Derek cared and showed his love not only in this activity but also towards family.  It really showed how much he cared especially to John and his love for him.

Back when we were kids, I remember always wanting to hang out with you while you worked on stuff in your garage.  I had no idea what you were doing, but you had this kind of presence that everyone wanted to be around.  You were definately the COOL cousin to be around.  I'm sure you got annoyed at me because I always followed you and Bethany around wanting to hang out with you guys.  You had such a caring and passionate heart and always brought joy to everyones lives.  I don't know what it was about you, but every time we had family get togethers, I made it my goal to si by you and try to hold a conversation (as you all know Derek wasn't a big talker) but every time I did it, it was an amazing accomplishment.  That may sound weird but I just loved being around you; you had that effect on people.  You are so patient and loving to little John and he is also surrounded by a wonderful Grandma and Uncle.  I'm going to miss the love that you gave to everyone around you, the positive attitude you held even when things were rough and your selfless caring heart that brought people close to you.  I love you Derek and I'm going to miss you, but I can't wait to see you and Uncle John someday.  Be our guardian angles and you guys will forever be in our hearts.

We came into this life just a few months apart and I can't believe that you will be joining your father so soon in this lifetime.  Growing up with you was such an adventure and I wouldn't trade any of our childhood memories for anything.  We got to exlore life together in so many ways and not many people get to grow up so close to their cousins.  Remember when we were younger, all the times we played together?  From Ninja Turtles to Barbies and Cops and Robbers to playing house and school.  I'm sorry I made you play the girly stuff with me, but I always came around and did what you wanted to do as well.  One of my most fond memories hanging out with you as a kid was playing super nintendo! We all loved playing that game system, but the one game you always wanted to play with me was Power Rangers.  You were so kind to always let me be the Pink Ranger!  I will confess that I remember beating you a few times, but you were always so good at video games.  Thanks for teaching me some cool tricks on the super nintendo.  Our childhood was so great and I loved hanging out with you and Darrin, but then as we got older and entered high school we didn't hang out as much anymore.  Even though we didn't have the same friends in high school, we still shared that family bond and I knew you were always there for me if I ever needed anything.  Derek you have always had a heart of gold full of kindness and love and everyone knew that about you.  When little John was born, I was so excited for you and proud of you for being such an amazing father.  Little John is so lucky to have had you in his life!  Even though this is going to be a tough road ahead for all of us, I am thankful to have shared such great memories and be able to celebrate your life Derek.  It's definately too soon to lose you, but I thank God for the time that we got to share with you.  Our family will not be the same without you, but we will always be able to share memories of you and look foward to the day we see you, Uncle John and Grandpa and Grandma again.  It will be a special day.  I love you!

We moved to Alabama in 1998 when Delta closed in Fort Wayne.  I drove back to Ossian in the spring of 2000 to bring Derek and Darrin down for spring break.  We had an above ground pool they were always in.  We had jets in our tub and they loved bubble baths.  The issue was getting them out because they had so much fun in all the bubbles that were made.  Then trying to get rid of the bubbles.  We had a blast.

I remember on the holidays when Derek would always have fun with us.  Also with little John and we would play nerf guns.  I will miss you

Derek was a nice and careing man.  I will always remember when he would come over for Christmas.  He would always sit in the corner with little John.  When Derek and little John would open the presents you could see a huge smile on both of their faces.  You could always tell that Derek was a great dad and a great friend as well.  He will always be in our hearts and we will never forget him.

Derek was a one of a kind man.  He was sweet, caring, and a charming man.  When we would go over to his house, he was the guy I would ask to show me around the barn or show me all of the things he would be working on in the garage.  Derek wasn't the talkative type, but that didn't define his personality.  To me, his personality was a handsome and strong father to little John.  Little John will always remember you as a hero, and so will I.  I can't wait to see you again so.

Love your cousin,
Brielle

Derek was always pretty quiet but he was the most polite and respectful to everyone.  Derek was the best father to little John that anyone could ask for.  He was always there for him and never left his side, and never will leave his side.

From your cousin,
Trevor

Derek was never present without a smile.  I will always remember the admiration and love he showed John.  My favorite memory of Derek was when me and my siblings went to his house when we were younger and he would try to help us catch the outdoor cats in the barn next to his house.  He will forever be loved by his friends and family and never forgotten.

Your cousin,
Bailey

I remember when Derek was about 5 years old.  Him, me and Bethany were playing with barbies at our house.  As most people know 5 year old boys play with barbies differently than girls.  In Derek's case he ripped all the heads off of our barbies.  After intense surgery some of our barbies would survive.  As he grew older Derek became an amazing young man and father.  He worked hard to support his son and showed his love to him like a great father would.  I will always love and miss him, but also know that I will meet him again some day in heaven.

Love you always,
your cousin Brittany

The one thing I'm going to miss about Derek is being able to punch him in the arm.  Every time I got to see Derek and we made eye contact, he would put on a smile and he knew the punch was coming.  We both knew that was our way of saying I love you.  Derek I sure will miss you.

Love Uncle Mark

Oh ya, Darrin, Uncle Mark has a lot of I love you's for you

From the time you were born, with your dad driving nervously to the hospital in an ice storm, you were always loved by everyone.  Your dad would try forcing you to eat left handed and you couldn't wait to be fed with a spoon so your dad would just put the food in a pile on the high chair and you would just dive in.  Everytime you came to our house, you had to play with girl toys.  Boy, I bet you were glad when the boy cousins came along.  I know the time was short you had with your father but when you had little John your life changed.  He was such a joy to you and you loved him and spent so much time with him.  It was like seeing you and your dad all over again.  You knew whenever you came over to our house you couldn't leave without a kiss and hug from Aunt Devonna.  I sure will miss you and love you with all my heart.  Now you can spend time with your dad in Heaven.  

Love Aunt Devonna

PS:  Also, during the holidays, the first thing on the list to make was Dereks favorite, sweedish meatballs and chocolate chip cookies.

Derek,
Always with a smile on his face.  Many laughs and lessons learned.  Many memories shared with you and that we all shared with you will never be forgotten.  We all love you and deeply miss you.  You will never be forgotten.

There's not a day that will go by that I won't think of you.  You were like a big brother to me that I never had.  Our times together and memories will never be forgotten.  This isn't goodbye because I know I will see you again.

Your friend forever & always

This ain't goodbye Derek for you and I will meet again.  For one day my time will end.  I will recognize your face and as you will mine.  For only God knows when we shall meet again and our eternal friendship will continue to never end.

Your friend always,
Talal

Life and destiny can steal my best friend away from me but nothing can take away the precious memories.

Friends

Dear Brother,
I love you.  We had our ups and downs with each other through the years, but what siblings don't?  You always knew how to make everyone laugh and be the life of the party.  I'm glad I could always look up to you as your little brother.  You taught me so much in life, some good, some bad.  There's no reason to say goodbye because I know you and dad are watching over us all.  May you live an eternal life in the heaven's above with our dad.  This all doesn't seem real.  I just want to wake up from this nightmare.  I cannot belive you're gone.  It's been a long day without you my brother.  We've come a long way from where we began.  I'll tell you all about it when I see you again.  I love you more than anything in this world and you'll never be forgotten.
Love your brother, 
Darrin

My fondest memories of Derek were at Grandma & Grandpas farm.  All of us playing in the fields, climbing the hay stacks, kickball, tackle football, hide and go seek, playing in the barn and grain bins.  The past 4th of July on the slip n slide.  We always had so much fun together.  Countless laughs and memories.  You are loved and will be greatly missed.

I don't have any one specific memory that stands out from the rest.  I have wonderful memories of all the kids at family get togethers, holidays and birthdays.  A lot of the times we would get together at Mom and Dads farm.  The kids would all have a blast together.  There were many years that were full of great memories.  The 4th of July cook outs with fireworks displays in the back yard, riding Derek and Darrins 4 wheelers or go cart.  Derek was always quiet but when he would get those motorcycles and 4 wheelers out he would light up.  You could tell he loved tearing up the fields on his bike.  I am going to miss Derek's smile out on the farm.  I am so glad to have so many amazing memories.  There is no way he will ever be forgotten.

I don't want to mourn Derek's death; I want to celebrate his life.  One story that will always stick in my mind, is the time we made a whirlpool at my birthday party.  All of my cousins were in the pool swimming in circles.  When we all finished and got out, Derek stood up and puked hotdogs into the pool.  The hotdogs continued around in a circular fashion.  I hope this makes everyone laugh a little and takes some of the tears away!

My heart is broken because you're gone yet deep down I know you're in a better place and where you want to be.  Loved you from the moment you came in to this world and that will never change.  In your 25 years you filled my life with so many memories.  When you were in your walker and made your way to the bathroom and had toliet paper wrapped all around you.  When you fell out the window of the mobile home because you were climbing on the back of the couch even though I told you to get down.  You and your brother messing with the cats.  Spinning them in circles and watching them run into stuff.  Surprised we only had 2 trips to the hospital - once for chicken pox and once for the cat attacking you.  As you got older you grew more fearless - wanted to go faster - jump higher.  You wanted to make ramps for either your bicycle, go-cart, dirt bike or 4 wheeler, what ever toy you had at the time.  I'd try to talk you out of it or tell you I didn't think the ramp was a good idea.  Your fasination with fire I blame all on your dad.  Oh my gosh!  From the fireworks to the bonfires you could see a mile away to the explosions you could hear a mile away.  Early signs are there that you have successully passed the love of fire on to your son.  Your son, John Kaidan Johnson.  The birth of your son was the best moment of your life.  I could see it in your eyes and your smile when you held him for the first time.  You had a little mini me following you everywhere.  Derek loved his son, his family and his friends with all his heart.  All you had to do was ask and he would be there to help. He was a man of very few words.  You usually had to listen really well or you'd miss them because he spoke so softly.  We didn't always see eye to eye and he knew how to push my buttons but everytime I saw him or talked to him it always ended with I love you.  So....until I see you again...love you, love you, love you!

As everyone knows as Derek and I grew up we would always ask to stay at each others places.  We had a relationship only family could have.  I feel like I knew you better than others because you actually talked to me and you weren't the quiet person all the time.  We had a special bond since day one!  This is where the chaos all started.  We would do anything and everything to keep us occupied and everyone knows one of our favorite things to do was always play with fire.  A little unsafe, but I feel like we were almost professionals, from lighting fireworks with a magnifying glass while being babysat by Holly to filling squirt guns with gas and making a flame thrower.  As we got older we got better and always went bigger and I feel like the whole family got one heck of a pre-firework show on the fourth of July the past few years.  And those explosion, fires, owwws, awwwws and all the laughing and running will be always burnt into my heart! Nothing will ever be the same without you, you weren't just my cousin, you were my brother since day 1!  I love you and miss you!

So sorry for your loss, hope for a fast recovery for little John. With each day may you find smiles in the many memories of Derek. He was loved by many and will be missed.

Cathy,
Our deepest sympathy to you, so very sorry for the loss of your son.
Our prayers are with you.
Mike and Judy Mackowiak

So many prayers for Derek's family. Such an incredible loss he was an amazing dad and an amazing friend. May you find peace and support in one another, so many prayers going your way and for little John. Will miss you derek

Devonna and Mark we are so sorry for the loss of your nephew words cannot begin to express,and he looks just like John.I pray and know they are together again.
Know that we are thinking of you and little John as well.
John and Jill Evans

Our thoughts and prayers are with Derek's family and his "family" at Mike Anderson Chevy.......

Chuck Wirick and Staff
Ossian NAPA

To the Johnson and Dodane family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  We will keep you in our prayers

Pat and family, 
We are so sorry to hear of Derek's passing. May you experience and be comforted by the love and support of family and friends during this time. 
We send our love and prayers to each of you and may you find rest in the arms of our Lord and His Mother. 
With our love,

Dereks family...our prayers are with you and all your family...I am praying for little John.

My prayers and thoughts are with Pat and Jerry and your family.  May the Lord give you His peace and comfort you.

My prayers go out to your and your family in your time of need.

Cathy and Darren our thoughts and prayers are with you now and the days to come! May you find comfort and understanding in our Lord.

I am so sorry Cathy.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy our hearts ache for you; we just want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you, Darrin, and John.  Our love, Dick, Shawn, and Chris

OBITUARY

Derek James Johnson

February 25, 1990 – April 28, 2015

Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home

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