By Staff
Craig S. Derry, 60, of Niles, died on Monday, April 28, 2008.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 3 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Niles Aerie No. 2094, 34 Sycamore, Niles.
He was born in Alma, on May 25, 1947, the son of Earl and Marion (Wang) Derry.
He was a graduate of Alpena High School and Alpine Junior College.
Derry and his friends enjoyed kayaking on Lake Huron. When the call of his country was heard during the Vietnam War, self was forgotten and as a brave young man he marched away with an abiding faith in his country and his flag. He served in the U.S. Army.
He moved to the Niles area and first worked at the Home Improvement Center and later purchased the company.
Derry enjoyed golfing and was a huge "Fighting Irish" fan.
For many years he belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Niles Aerie No. 2094.
He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Derry; his mother, Marion Derry and a brother, Timothy.
Surviving family includes a son, Chad Derry; a daughter, Mindy Derry; brothers and sisters and their families, Erlene and Don Ranger of Barton City, Nancy and Edward Hier of Ossineke, Rockford and Mary Derry of Alaska, Debby and Ken Rhoads of Alpena, Jennifer and John Sample of Linwood, Rick and Molly Derry of Oregon, Jeffrey and Rosalyn Derry of Alaska and Lori and Bill Boucher of Alpena.
Arrangements were by the Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.