David Joseph Derby

He was born on February 19, 1935, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Ted and Emma Derby. David attended school in Wichita Falls and completed his Bachelor Degree in Business Management at Midwestern University, where he participated in the ROTC program that he had been involved with since high school. His dedication to service led him to the United States Army, where he proudly served his country. During his time in the Army, David helped open Fort Polk in Louisiana, serving as its first supply officer. Among his many responsibilities was the unusual but memorable task of clearing pigs and longhorn cattle from the base grounds as operations were being established.

On April 8, 1961, David married the love of his life, Marsha Ulrich, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and shared interests, raising four sons and creating a home filled with love and laughter. David spent 20 years as an assistant manager for Sears and then moved to San Antonio to be the district manager at La Feria where he stayed until the store closure. David’s strong work ethic and reliability earned the respect of coworkers and customers alike at both stores. Later, he worked for Register Tapes Unlimited until retiring at the age of 75. David was a long time member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Outside of work, David and Marsha shared a passion for square dancing and were active participants for more than 20 years. David was also an avid race car fan, a love that began early—he even took Marsha to a stock car race on their first date. Racing remained one of his greatest pastimes, and it was common to find a race on his television unless his beloved San Antonio Spurs were playing. A devoted Spurs fan, David watched every game faithfully and, even in his final days, could name every player on the team as well as many racecar drivers of record.

David was preceded in death by his son, Mark Derby; his parents, Lester Erwin and Emma Marie Derby; and four siblings.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Marsha Elaine Ulrich Derby; his sons Ken Derby and wife Monica, Brian Derby and wife Beckie, and Chris Derby and wife Tacey; and his daughter-in-law Letty Derby. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchild: Tiffany Allen and her spouse Clint, Stephanie Faulkner, Mariah Derby, Joshua Derby, Jacob Derby, Jayci Derby Hart and her spouse Lanson, Kylah Derby, Ashton Derby, and Kai Derby.

Pallbearers will be Ken Derby, Brian Derby, Christopher Derby, Joshua Derby, Jacob Derby, and Ashton Derby. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Ralf and Kai Derby.

Visitation will be held on March 25, 2026 from 10:45 am to 11:45 am at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas 78238. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11:45 am at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home. A committal service will follow at 1:15 pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.

In lieu of cut flowers, the family kindly requests live native plants that will be planted by the family and turned into a living tribute in David’s honor.

David will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his kindness and generosity, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.