On May 19, 1934, John was the 9th of 12 children born to Charlie and Blossie Roberta (Jones) Derrick.  John was raised on the family farm in the New Hope-Oktaha Community.  He attended New Hope Baptist Church.  He attended Oktaha Public Schools.

John assisted his father with the family farm. He tended to the cattle, chickens, and rode horses and bulls.

John was not given a middle name at birth but was required to pick one upon entry of the United States Navy on May 2, 1956, until he was honorably discharged March 26, 1958.  He served 1 year and 7 months in Japan. While abroad, John and his then girlfriend Ruth wrote numerous love letters to each other she went on to keep.

On May 17, 1959, he married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Cooper of Muskogee, OK; and to this union they were blessed with 5 children; John "Anthony", Reginald "Reggie" Holt, Jacqueline "Jackie" Denise, Rodney Frank and Tyjuan Jerome Derrick.

John worked as a welder at the Iron Works in Muskogee, OK.  He also worked for himself, cutting trees.  He taught his sons, how to fish, chop trees, hauling hay and change a flat tire.  John showed his children country living and would take them to see his parents.  John rarely watched television, but he enjoyed listening to Country music. He enjoyed whiskey and snuff.  If John didn't have pockets he would put his can of snuff in his sock.

John's health began to decline in the 70's after his son, Tyjuan was killed.  John later moved in with his daughter, Jackie, and spent time with his grandchildren.  He would take them outside to play on the playground.  John later moved to Vinita, OK. In 2008 John left Big Cabin, OK to Muskogee, OK where he rekindled his relationships with family.

On June 16, 2009, John became a resident of York Manor Nursing Home where he would reside for the next 17 years.  John enjoyed his weekly visits from his wife and family.  Whenever his grandchildren would visit, he would always offer them a pop or a quarter to buy one.  John was always pleasant to everyone.  He would always say, "I am doing fine and dandy."

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, John Derrick, in his 89th year transitioned to his heavenly home with his children and grandchildren by his side.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Ann, parents, a son TyJuan, granddaughter, Cassandra Denise Derrick, siblings, Leo, Paul, Bonnie, Atchilee, George, LC, Mattie Derrick-Diles and Ellora Derrick-Lyons.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, John Anthony, Broken Arrow, OK; Reginald, Ft. Worth, TX; Jacqueline Denise Harris, Muskogee, OK; Rodney, Moore, OK; 4 grandchildren, Ruwth N. Derrick, Tiffany J. Harris, Nigel J. Harris and Gabriel Derrick, 4 great-grandchildren, Stacey N. Derrick, Kayden, Landen and Ace'Lynn Riggins, 1 great-great-granddaughter, Journee' Billings, 2 sisters, Lois Rush and Pearl Brewer, Peoria, IL; 1 brother, MacArthur Derrick, Joplin, MO; along with a caravan of cousins, nieces and nephews and 3 sisters-in-law and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday April 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m., House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations, Precious Memories Chapel, 2200 Military Blvd. Muskogee, OK.  Visitation will be Friday April 26, 2024 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Interment will be at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK. on Monday April 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Services will be live-streamed through Facebook Spiritual Sister

Military Honors performed by US Navy Honor Guard.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee