Daddy
I miss you so much and I always think about you wishing you were still here I wish I could give you one last hug it makes me upset knowing our last hug was our last hug forever I hope you know I love you and I miss you so much and that I will always be your little girl forever 💕

Four years but it seems like only yesterday you left. I miss you and think of you everyday. I know you are with me, watching over me like you always did.  I know you are in a good place and happy. I’ll see you on the other side. ❤️

Dad, 
it’s been a couple years now and i graduated high school over a year a ago. i’m starting college like you told me to and i just turned 20. i know it’s been a while but you’ve been on my mind a lot recently. i wish you were here more and more every day. there’s a bright red cardinal that follows me every once in a while so i figured it was you checking up on me like you used to. i hope you’re doing okay.
 i love you so much.

It has been a couple of years now since you have been gone. It seems as if it was just yesterday when you got on my nerves about something relating to the girls. We miss you. Hope all is well on you side... Girls always say you are around. We have a Cardinal that lives in one of our trees, they say it’s you spying on them. LoL Please continue to keep them well and safe.  We are Always thinking of you. 

Daddy,
Thank you again for everything and I love you so much you were my best friend and still will always be my best friend and you loved to joke around with everyone and so funny and I miss you and you had the best smile and you were always happy :) and you loved your Family,Miyah,Jaidah,Asiah ,and your Bible and God you always believe him not matter what you didn’t care what anyone said about you I love you and miss you so much ❤️
Love~Asiah(Jefferson) 


Daddy
Thank you for everything you have done and I appreciate you and I always will always and I love you everyday and every second and you 
We had so many memories that I will never forget and I love you and miss you so much 
🥺💓

Dad, 
You helped people in need when you didn’t have much. You did a lot for everyone you knew and me and my sisters. You were my best friend. We helped each other out when we needed support. You helped me out when I was in trouble gave me the best advice when I needed it. You motivated me to do anything I wanted to if I put my mind into it. You taught me so much and I will always remember that you loved me and my sisters dearly. There’s a lot that I could say about you but I’ll keep it at this for now. Thank you for everything. I love you so much.  Thank you for the awesome
Fly high, Dad. You will be missed dearly. By your oldest daughter, 
                                           - Bubba (Miyah)

Derek was a terrific guy! I met him through my brother, Landon Simmons.  What stands out most in my mind about him was his love for his daughters and his God. He was an extremely hard worker.  Hard work did not scare him and he seemed to realize that life wasn't easy, and anything worthwhile took effort.  He always had a smile on his face, even if he was tired.  I think he had the ministry of "service" or "help." He really cared about other people, and was quick to lend a helping hand, and, like my brother mentioned, "would give you the shirt of his back..."
Derek was a good father.  He loved his daughters, provided for them, and was always there for them. I remember him talking about painting their toenails.  Girls, know you daddy loved you so much! Never forget that! I know he is smiling down from heaven and keeping an eye on you.  He was so proud of each one of you.
My thoughts, love, and prayers to the family. Derek will be greatly missed. 

Sending love to Derek's family. While we weren't very close in high school, I always remember Derek being a kind and jovial person. Teaching my children kindness is #1 in my book...so I say that with the utmost regard for Derek. I'm so sorry this tragedy struck Derek at such a young age.  

Met Derek in the winter of 2010 at Lowe’s in Fort Worth TX. and from there began working for him doing gutters and miscellaneous construction work. Derek and I had so much fun joking and imitating people, as we shared the common bond of being Marines. I never saw Derek do anyone wrong. Derek would give the shirt off his back to help folks. I can remember at Lowe’s, customers wanted Derek to help them shop and figure things out as Derek’s warm, genuine personality drew people in. I often thought maybe Derek was leaving with the customer that day as they were carrying on so much with conversation and smiles. I remember going to Derek’s house in Benbrook and he’d be waking up on good or rough mornings as he lay there on his couch mentioning how good God is and how he enjoyed praying. Though Derek fought alcoholism and at times was broken because of it, I have never seen a person with such humility as to seek the foot of the cross and give his heart to Jesus on a daily. He was not ashamed of the Gospel or in telling people that he needed Jesus. What a great father to his daughters and a friend for life. I miss his warm smile and great attitude towards life. He’s in heaven telling clean jokes and walking with Jesus. I love you Derek, thanks for showing me how to pray again.

Derek,
I enjoyed all the time we spent together. You were a kind hearted person and our bond was special. I never forget  the night you made your famous gravy for Thanksgiving but then never got a chance to share the recipe.  I'll keep a tie knotted just for you and by the way "Bedtime"

Big Rek , I am heart broken. I loved you so much . Karen also, I will never forget all of our good times together. Partying together with Sharon and others . I am just in shock and very sad . You will be missed ........

In tribute to my son Derek:

A dear, sweet soul. He had much compassion. He loved nature, animals and arts. He loved his children, family and friends...and he loved the Lord. As in the Bible "whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

God wanted Derek...God set him free.


What I remember about Derek is the immense love he had for all his family. His phone calls, unexpected visits and the smile he always had. The love he had for his four daughters was out of this world. He would take them everywhere, regardless of their age. Cross country trips with babies, and alone! And he did it all well. His pride on their growing up and all their achievements. I know, without a doubt, that he will continue to look after his girls from heaven, with Jesus. Until we meet again, Derek, rest in the peace of a new, perfect, happy life with Christ. Much love. 

Derek-

I really only know him as Big Bear that is what my wife Nikki has always called him, when I met Big Bear for the first time I got it, he was so nice he gave big hugs and was always smiling he just gave off a very warm loving feeling. You will be deeply missed by your family but I know your in good hands in heaven. Love you Big Bear!🙏🏻



From a child you always gave me love and are so incredibly special to me. All through my life the laughter and beautiful advice. You left us too soon and will be dearly missed. Truly a sweet, loving soul. I know you are with God now and I will have peace with that. 
Always be my Big Bear. 


Derek had a one of kind smile. Infectious is how I describe it. Once he employed his smile it was almost impossible not to smile back. He smiled with his eyes and it was a wonderful expression. If filled my life with happiness. Laughter and smiles make up the bulk of my memories. And we faced life’s share of trials and tribulations. He was my closest and most intimate friend. After graduation, I left for the Marine Corps. I wasn’t sure how our lives would end up. About a year later and to my surprise, Derek showed up at Camp Pendleton at the Marine Combat Training Center which was right down the road from where I was stationed. This reunion intertwined and our shaped lives forever. I will always remember and appreciate our enduring friendship. Besides my own family, Derek was the only one who sent me letters when I deployed overseas. Only God knows why over the years he and I would end up staying in touch even when our lives took separate paths. Over some 26 years of friendship, memories of Derek have flashed through my mind. Our life’s journey with highlights in some key places, Long Beach, Twentynine Palms, Camp Pendleton, San Pedro, Bothell, Seattle, Lynnwood, Phoenix, Hemet, Tempe, San Diego, Tijuana, Los Angeles, Everett, Scottsdale, Oceanside and all points surrounding and in between. Yesterday, on my way to a Christmas gathering, I past his old apartment. It triggered a flood of memories. Remembrances of Derek will live on everywhere I go. I love and miss you my friend. Life will not be the same without you. To his father Al, thank you for everything. My condolences his family. 

Daddy, you left to soon. I'm happy I had the first 4 years of my life to share with you. I will always think of you and keep to in my heart.  Rest in Peace daddy. 
Love your baby girl
Brooklyn 

Our family has been blessed to have known the Nieto family  for over 30 years and memories are abundant.
Derek was so fun to be around and our family has so many fond memories of visiting Al and the boys in Arizona.  We'd complain about the heat and Derek said "oh it's not so bad, you'll get used to it".
You will be missed by so many.  We are truly blessed to have had you in our lives.
Until we meet again!
God Bless all the family and pray for peace in your hearts and minds.  Love to you all!

I did not know Derek well, but I could see that he was a truly spiritual person.   There aren't enough adjectives in the language to describe his humility, kindness, and charity.  Those of us who knew him will miss his physical presence in this world, but we know that he has not disappeared, and will never disappear, from our lives.  God bless you, Derek!

Derek reached out to me a couple years ago and we were able to reconnect. After the last time we spoke I remember thinking how it was so refreshing to know someone who is so thankful and grateful and just such a kind soul. I'm thankful for the time I knew him when I was younger, and also that he thought to reconnect with me after so many years. I know I speak not only for myself, but also my parents and my sister and brother-in-law when I say that Derek touched our lives and we were blessed to have known him.  In one of his last messages to me, he sent me a link to a song we both love. Derek,  as Tupak said: 

Any time y'all wanna see me again
Rewind this track right here, close your eyes
And picture me rollin'

I did that yesterday Derek. Played it over and over again. I will forever remember you when I hear that song. Rest in Peace my friend. 

Derek, and I grew up together in the 80’s lived on the same street as kids. I remember we grew up loving the A-team so Derek, and his brother Justin,  my brother Greg, and I, we all hung out and played the roles of the A-team. Derek aka  Mr. T you’ll be missed brother !! RIP my friend !!   

I was blessed to be Derek's 4th grade teacher.  He was truly the nicest kid I ever taught!  I was so thrilled when he contacted me on Facebook about 8 years ago.  It was great to see what a good man he had become.  We corresponded but never got together to talk.  Many times I said to myself, "I need to get together and have lunch with Derek."  But I never got around to it.  I just learned a new life lesson, don't put off seeing good people.  Derek, you were one of the best ever!  I love ya' man!

Derek....your passing is an absolute shock buddy.  I wish we had some more time together.  But I’ll cherish all the fun and laughs that we had over the years.  Miss you already.

Derek we really was miss you are a really nice person and you were always a good uncle for my kids..............Rest In Peace 

Dearest daddy, we weren’t going to have a tree this year but we decided to put up the tree last night with you on our mind and in our hearts. Love you daddy...

RIP Derek
 Always loved his girls and family. We hung out a lot in Fort Worth when our wives worked together. Good brother


Daddy always loved his girls... They were the Love of his  Life.....

Derek NIETO was an adventurous, fun and good high school friend. I remember hiking through woods and being stuck from the exit by 5 feet of sticker bushes, at which he got all pumped up and ran through at full speed thrashing around...probably took a month for all his wounds to heal. A little crazy but his name always brings a smile to my face!

No words can express the sadness in my heart. You will missed at every occasion, everyday and every moment of our lives. You will forever be daddy to our girls... 

RIP Big Bear Derek. 
Thank you for the funny nicknames, and for always checking in on me. We will miss your warm spirit and your jokes. Thank you for loving Giovanna too. 
You will be missed. 

Truly sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family 

Derek was a caring and wonderful son, father and brother who is loved deeply and will be tremendously missed.

We know that Derek is at peace and we draw comfort knowing he now rests with God,  along with his daughter Anayah and brother Tyler.
 
On behalf of Derek’s children, brothers, sister, myself, and all of our extended family, thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received, we are truly blessed.

OBITUARY

Derek Benjamin Nieto

October 25, 1974 – December 16, 2019

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Maryvale

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