1959-2025
With love and remembrance, we announce the passing of Derry Gene Hick, born on Oct. 14, 1959, who peacefully passed away on Feb. 19, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii, with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters, Melissa and Erika, by his side. He was 65 years old.
Born in Guthrie Center, Derry joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, serving his country with honor. After leaving the service, he lived a life defined by acts of service and generosity to others. Known to so many as a kind and generous man, Derry left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His love for music, movies and cross-country driving brought him joy throughout his life.
While on military leave after a deployment in Korea, Derry met Elizabeth, a nursing student and his sister Debbie’s friend, during a visit to his family in Des Moines. They married in 1983 in Los Angeles and had two daughters, Melissa Ann and Erika Elizabeth. Derry and Elizabeth spent more than 41 years together, building a lifetime of cherished memories. Both Derry and Elizabeth served in the United States Armed Forces, sharing a deep sense of duty, service and love for their country.
Derry and Elizabeth were blessed with four grandchildren: Cameron and Gisele, children of their daughter, Melissa, and her husband, Stephen; and Henry Wyatt and Jane Lillian, children of their daughter, Erika, and her husband, James. Derry loved being their “Papa” and cherished every moment with them.
Derry is survived by his beloved wife of more than 41 years, Elizabeth Hick; his two daughters, Melissa and Erika; his four grandchildren; his mother, Joyce; and his brothers, Dan and Michael, along with their spouses and children. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend with a legacy of kindness and generosity that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Derry will be laid to rest at the VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California.
A Celebration of Life will be from 1-3 p.m. in the basement at First Baptist Church, 113 N. Fifth St., Guthrie Center, on April 12.