In Memory Of
Leslie M. Derby
1950
2022
Leslie M. Derby
December 2, 1950 — November 10, 2022
Leslie M. "Les" Derby, 71, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022 at home surrounded by his family.
He was born December 2, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Elmer and Ivy (Wildridge) Derby. He was a 1969 graduate of Lutheran High School West, Detroit, MI. He served in the United States Air Force from 1969 until being honorably discharged in 1973 and would continue his military career with the United States Army Reserve from 1978 until being honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sargent in 2003.
Les was employed by the State of Kansas for 30 years until retiring.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Topeka.
Les married Helen Keen on April 8, 1972 in Topeka. She survives in Topeka. Other survivors include three daughters, Jennifer (Chrisman) Miller of Lansing, KS, April Derby of Topeka and Megan Derby of Kansas City, MO; six grandchildren, Kelsie, Brandi, Brodie, Carmen, Eliza and Grayson; his sister, Liz (Tom) Tiffany of Lake Orion, MI; his brother, Bruce Derby of Homosassa, FL and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, James; and his nephew, Scott.
Les loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and attending their events. His enjoyments included playing golf, grilling, working outside and his dedication to the Army Reserve.
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A memorial ceremony with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at the Dove Cremations & Funerals, Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave, Topeka. Private inurnment will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.
Leslie's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
To leave a special message for Les's family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born December 2, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Elmer and Ivy (Wildridge) Derby. He was a 1969 graduate of Lutheran High School West, Detroit, MI. He served in the United States Air Force from 1969 until being honorably discharged in 1973 and would continue his military career with the United States Army Reserve from 1978 until being honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sargent in 2003.
Les was employed by the State of Kansas for 30 years until retiring.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Topeka.
Les married Helen Keen on April 8, 1972 in Topeka. She survives in Topeka. Other survivors include three daughters, Jennifer (Chrisman) Miller of Lansing, KS, April Derby of Topeka and Megan Derby of Kansas City, MO; six grandchildren, Kelsie, Brandi, Brodie, Carmen, Eliza and Grayson; his sister, Liz (Tom) Tiffany of Lake Orion, MI; his brother, Bruce Derby of Homosassa, FL and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, James; and his nephew, Scott.
Les loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and attending their events. His enjoyments included playing golf, grilling, working outside and his dedication to the Army Reserve.
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A memorial ceremony with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at the Dove Cremations & Funerals, Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave, Topeka. Private inurnment will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.
Leslie's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
To leave a special message for Les's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leslie M. Derby, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southeast
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