Derek Anthony Aldridge passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sunday December 6th, 2015. 

Born in Cushing, Oklahoma on August 18, 1950 to Junior Doyle and Glenna Clephane (Dolan) Aldridge. He spent his early years in OK, NM and East Texas until his parents settled in Houston in the early 60s. 

Derek attended Southwest Texas University and Michigan State University, receiving his degrees in Journalism and German and a Masters in Journalism. 

Derek worked at the Houston Post and Bechtel Company, but it was the consulting world that was Derek’s home. He found great joy in his 26 years as a Human Resource Communications Consultant at Price Waterhouse, Towers Perrin, Foster Higgens, Watson Wyatt, Hewitt and The Segal Company. He treasured the friends he made, both co-workers and clients.

Although his job kept him busy, his real passion was being home with his family. He was a devoted husband and dedicated father. He loved his family beyond measure. He loved coaching the many baseball teams, or just teaching his children to enjoy the game of golf.  Reading, music and spending time with extended family and friends brought him pure joy!

After being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on September 20, 2010, Derek turned his life over to God. He thanked God daily for cancer because it strengthened his relationship with Jesus Christ. Derek had a simple, strong faith and no doubts about his future in Heaven.  

Derek is survived by his wife, Patricia (Roberts) Aldridge, his daughters Carrie (Chas) Semple, Katie Aldridge, Casey (Rick) Reed, and his son, J.D. Aldridge. His grandsons, Carter, Henry and Edward Semple and one granddaughter, Grayson Mae Reed. His sister, Dana Froehlich, his brother-in-law and best friend, Jim Roberts, sister-in-laws Nina Wollard Roberts and Lisa Clark Roberts, mother-in-law Virginia Roberts. Nephews Matthew Froehlich, T.J. Roberts and Matthew Roberts (Holly), and nieces Megan Froehlich, Jordan Roberts and Ciara Roberts.

He is preceeded in death by his parents, his nephew Kristopher Froehlich, his beloved father-in-law Andrew Roberts and brother-in-law William Roberts.

We thank God for the life of Derek, for the joy he brought into every day and for the lessons of love he left behind. 

Donations in Derek’s name may be made to:

Homosassa S.D.A Church 

Food Pantry

P.O. Box 559

Homosassa, FL 34446