John R. Derk

John R. Derk, 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at Montgomery Hospital Hospice Care Center in Norristown, PA. His life was devoted to his family, his faith, and his friends. John graduated from William Penn High School in 1958. In his early years, he was active in the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He served in the United States Marine Corps from January 1959 to January 1963. He retired after 35 years with the Sherwin-Williams Company. After retirement, because of his love of HO trains and his knowledge of railroad memorabilia, he enjoyed employment with Maurer's Auction. Up until his passing, he cataloged sales and worked as a clerk on the weekend auctions.Born on June 2, 1940 in Harrisburg, PA, he was the son of the late Violet (Gilbert) and Ralph J. Derk. He was the loving husband of Brenda (Gutshall) Derk for 48 years. Also surviving are two daughters, Shelly J. Hammer (Bob) of Jeffersonville and Melanie L. Rehm (Mike) of King of Prussia; a son, Steve Waller (Sue) of Middletown; grandchildren: Ian, Carly and Shane Hammer, Tyler, Kassidy, Courtney and Madison Rehm, and Dan and Laura Waller; a brother, Carl Derk (Nancy) of State College; and several nephews and nieces.A Memorial Service will be held at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 600 Walker Road, Wayne, PA 19087 on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 11:00am. Interment will be private at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisburg, PA.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to St. Matthew's UMC at the above address.