Derrick Fernandez Mckinley

Derrick Fernandez McKinley was born to the late Willie & Dorothy Mae McKinley on October 8th, 1964, in St. Louis, Mo. Derrick graduated from Beaumont High School in 1982 and went on to join the United States Army. He became a proud father in 1989, to his only son Jacob McKinley. Derrick attended Central Texas College for Criminal Justice and Lindenwood University for Cyber Security. He worked as Chief Security Officer at State of Missouri Mental Health Hospital. His hobbies included sports, watching movies, dining out, and spending quality time with friends & family. Derrick was enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of others and keeping everyone close. In addition, he was an administrative member of the Benton Elementary School group.

Derrick was preceded in death by his grandparents: the late Ike & Leola Turner. His parents: the late Willie & Dorothy Mae McKinley and his sibling: the late Betty Ann Arms. He is cherished by his child, Jacob McKinley. His three nieces; Alana, Kanoi, and LaToya. His sibling, Stanley McKinley. (Nephew) Demetrius; (Six Great Nephews) Jared, Wesley, Marquist, Jacob, Kendall & Kodie; (Two Great Nieces) Kennedy & Kali; (Aunt) Odell; (three cousins) Natasha, Jayla & Jamiah. (Childhood Best Friend) John Brooks. As well as other family members not mentioned.

I have been blessed with having the best father anyone could ask for. He has given me so much in this life. We were very close, and he was truly my best friend. He taught me so much and was always there for me. I am grateful for all his lectures and guidance growing up. He has taught me to be respectful, tough, loving, caring, gracious, disciplined, well mannered, athletic, and so much more. I am grateful for having a father I could talk to as a friend and as a parent about life advice, sports debates, the dreams I had, and everything else under the sun. He has always believed in me with any ideas or dreams I had. I miss him so much already, but I know he is still with me, and I can still hear his voice and know what he would say because of how close we were and how much time we spent together. I will cherish all our memories. I love you so much dad and thank you for everything. (Jacob McKinley).

Derrick was a kind, loving, and thoughtful family member. He strived to let his loved ones know how much he cared and thought of them. Derrick remembered birthdays, holidays, and special occasions and tried to reach out during those times. Derrick was jovial, good-humored, amiable, and clever. My earliest memories of him are reading to me when we were young kids, exploring adventurously, and being courageous. Derrick will be sincerely missed, and the world is a better place for having him here. (Alana Arms, niece, oldest daughter of his late sister Betty Arms).

I have a special closeness to Derrick, I always have. It is because, from the beginning, he has been a part of my life, encouraging me, and cheering me on along the way like an uncle does. My earliest memories have always included him playing with me, making me laugh, and his teachings. Derrick was always present for holidays and other family gatherings; I cherish those times we all shared and hold them close to my heart. I am truly going to miss that lovable, familiar face that means so much to me. I thank Derrick for always being there for the good and the tough times and everything he did for the family. He will be deeply missed, forever. We love you! Rest eternally, in Heaven. (Kanoi Arms, second daughter of his late sister Betty Arms).