Derek Alan Aldrich

Derek Aldrich, age 42, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the Anderson County Hospital following complications from surgery. Derek was born on January 9, 1969, in Garnett, Kansas, the son of Kenneth and Darlos (Westervelt) Aldrich. He grew up in the Bush City area, attending school at Garnett, graduating from Garnett High School in 1987. Following graduation, he attended Technical Training in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was a member of the National Guard. Derek married Teresa Silfer in 1990, one daughter was born to this union, Caitlin. They later divorced. On August 28, 1999 Derek married Amy Shaffer at Garnett, Kansas; this union was blessed with one daughter, Miccole. Derek had worked as an electrician then at Ottawa Truck. He was currently working as a heavy equipment operator for TL Enterprises. He was a K-State fan, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed playing baseball while growing up, and in his later years he enjoyed playing and watching softball. Derek loved to cook and enjoyed smoking and barbequing meat. He took great pride in working with his daughter on 4-H projects. Derek was a member of the First Christian Church, where he was Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher; he especially enjoyed working with the youth at church. He will be missed for his good natured teasing and sense of humor. Derek was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Aldrich in 1996; and brother, Dana Aldrich in 1975. He is survived by his wife and daughter Amy and Miccole of the home, daughter, Caitlin of Pittsburg, Kansas; one brother, Kendal Aldrich and wife Janice of Mulvane, Kansas; one sister, Kathleen Welton of Gladstone, Missouri; his mother, Darlos Aldrich of Garnett; one niece, Kelsey Aldrich and three nephews, John and Eric Welton and Joel Aldrich. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 8, 2011, at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Education Fund.